Roger Fingas
Google on Monday introduced Google Pay, bringing together Android Pay and Google Wallet, two previously split platforms.
At the moment, the change is mostly a rebranding that will take place "over the coming weeks," Google indicated in a blog post. People will see a "G Pay" logo appear in Android apps, on websites, and at retail checkouts.
Some services that have already made the transition include Airbnb, Dice, Fandango, HungryHouse, and Instacart.
The rebranding is "just the first step" for Google Pay, according to Google's VP of product management for payments, Pali Bhat.
The company is presumably looking to consolidate its position — and raise awareness — in the face of Apple Pay. While Apple is still working to get more U.S. merchants, most domestic banks and credit unions have signed on, and the platform is continuing to expand overseas.
Apple Pay has always had unified branding, but initially launched just for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in Oct. 2014. Since then it has come to iPads, Macs, other iPhones, and the Apple Watch.
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"Apple Pay has always had unified branding"
Except now they also have Apple Pay Cash, which I think adds an unnecessary complexity to the brand.
"Google Pay"
In hindsight I would imagine Google wishes they had branded this way to begin with. As one of the Android blogs puts it:
"Google was the first to bring mobile NFC payments to phones, which it called Google Wallet. Later, it swapped in the Android Pay branding. When you think about it, that wasn't a very versatile brand for mobile payments. Now, Google is giving it a third (and hopefully final) shot with Google Pay. This will be the name for Google's payment platform when making payments via NFC in stores, online at retailers, in the Play Store, and in other Google apps."
Maybe they've stumbled around enough to finally get there...
Because Google Wallet was such a winner...