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Google Launches Android Pay

Angela Moscaritolo
 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Get ready to start paying for things with a swipe of your phone, Android users. Google on Thursday started rolling out Android Pay.

The Web giant said it plans to "gradually" roll out the new mobile payment option at more than one million locations across the U.S. Look for it at stores like Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Babies "R" Us, BJ's Wholesale Club, Bloomingdales, GameStop, Jamba Juice, Macy's, Office Depot, Panera Bread, Petco, Rite Aid, Sports Authority, Staples, Subway, Walgreens, Toys "R" Us, and Whole Foods.

Android Pay works with all NFC-enabled Android devices running KitKat 4.4. and above, regardless of your carrier. The system supports credit and debit cards issued by "many of the most popular U.S. banks and credit unions," including American Express, Bank of America, Discover, Navy Federal Credit Union, PNC, Regions Bank, USAA, and U.S. Bank. Google said it plans to support Citi and Wells Fargo-issued cards "in the next few days;" support for Capital One is coming soon as well.

"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," Google said. Later this year, for instance, you will be able to use Android Pay for in-app purchases.

Besides letting you pay for items with your phone, Android Pay also stores your gift cards, loyalty cards, and special offers.

For the security conscious, know that when you use Android Pay your real credit or debit card number isn't sent with your payment. Instead, the system uses a virtual account number for an extra layer of security. As soon as you make a purchase, you'll get a confirmation showing where the transaction happened. If your phone is lost or stolen, use Android Device Manager to lock it, set a new password, or wipe your personal information.

Existing Google Wallet users can access Android Pay by updating the Wallet app. New users will have to wait for a few days until Android Pay is available for download in Google Play. Android Pay will also come pre-installed on new NFC-enabled Android phones from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

Google Wallet is not going away with the launch of Android Pay. In fact, Google just released a new Google Wallet app in the Play store today. Why have two services? Google Wallet will remain largely to let people keep balances and send money to one another.

Android Pay will go up against Apple Pay, which launched about a year ago. It works with Apple's newer iPhone 6 lineup, as well as the Apple Watch and the iPad for in-app purchases.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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