Google makes mobile payments on Android easier

Google is upping the ante in its competition with Apple by working with mobile carriers to install Google Wallet payment technology on every Android smartphone sold by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

Beginning later this year, Google Wallet — complete with its tap-and-pay functionality — will come pre-installed on Android smartphones sold by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Google has also purchased some technology and intellectual property from payments firm Softcard to make Google Wallet better.

AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless will include the Google Wallet app later this year on Android smartphones sold in the United States, Google said in a post on its official blog on Monday.

The Google Wallet app stores a consumer's credit or debit card information and allows shoppers to pay for goods by tapping their phone against a special terminal at a retail store's checkout counter.

Google launched Wallet in 2011, but the service struggled to become a hit with consumers, in part because the wireless carriers developed the competing Softcard service.

The competitive landscape shifted in October, when Apple included the Apple Pay mobile payment service with the new iPhone 6 line of smartphones.