Google is poised to bring Near Field Communication to the United States in a big way this upcoming year. The company is reportedly preparing to test a mobile NFC payment system in New York and San Francisco that will rollout in the upcoming months. Google has purchased and is installing thousands of VeriFone Near Field Communication readers at various retailers in these two tech-progressive cities. According to Bloomberg’s sources, Google is planning to bring all your financial accounts, gift card balances, store loyalty cards and coupon offers to your handset using this NFC technology. This stored information is accessible on your handset can be used to make purchases on the go without the need to pull out your wallet.
Though exciting, neither Google nor VeriFone has confirmed these plans. Such a pilot program would not be surprising as Google is already experimenting with NFC in Portland, Oregon. The Mountain View company recently launched a version of its Hotpot business that lets store owners display a NFC-enabled sign in their retail establishment. Android users with a compatible handset like the Nexus S can scan the sign and receive special offers, store information and more on the fly. Apple is also reportedly considering NFC technology and may introduce its own system that permits payments through iTunes.
[Via Bloomberg]