It seems that Apple Inc. is the villain of the tech world because apart from Samsung, Google's Android is launching an all-out war with the Cupertino-based company with the Android Pay.
As reported by Tech Crunch, Apple Pay's rival is taking another notable step, as it is now available to use within mobile applications.
Daily Mail reported that Google said in a statement, "Today, we're beginning to roll out Android Pay -- the simple and secure way to pay with your Android phone at over one million locations across the US."
"Android Pay also stores your gift cards, loyalty cards and special offers right on your phone. We'll be rolling out gradually over the next few days, and this is just the beginning. We will continue to add even more features, banks and store locations in the coming months, making it even easier to pay with your Android phone."
According to Google, Android Pay will initially be available as an alternative means of checking out and paying for goods and services in a number of apps in the U.S. The list includes apps like Jet, Spring and Wish, as well as on-demand services like Lyft, Instacart and Doordash, in addition to big names like Hotel Tonight and OpenTable.
If the selection may seem quite few to you, do not worry as these are only the first of what Google says will soon be many applications that will roll out its support for the technology in their own apps, indicating that the company already has a pipeline built, even if not everyone was ready to use Android Pay on launch day.
Moreover, Google is also encouraging consumers to try Android Pay with discounts in select apps being used as an incentive. For example, users will be able to take $20 off on OpenTable dining, $10 off DoorDash and 30 percent off Vinted.
New users of Android Pay can download the app on Google Play in the next few days, while it will come preinstalled on new NFC-enabled Android phones from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.
Ars Technica reported Samsung also released its own version of a payment platform called Samsung Pay. Samsung's vast customer base and its purchase of a patented technology allows its phones to send credit card information to check-out terminals that are not equipped with NFC technology.
And in recent months, Samsung was able to secure Verizon's support for its payment platform and its partnership with 19 new Visa and MasterCard issuers.
Apple Pay better watch out because Android and Samsung Pay are now upping the competition.
