Rumors about Google acquiring Softcard, the carrier-backed mobile wallet system (formerly known as ISIS Wallet), started back in January. Last month those rumors became official when Google announced they had acquired technology from Softcard. Thanks to that technology Google Wallet will come preloaded on future Android devices from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
All of this is great news for Google Wallet users, but what about Softcard? Unfortunately, the service will be shut down on March 31st. This might not be a big deal for Android users, who have access to Google Wallet, but Softcard was available on other platforms as well. Windows Phone users will be left out to dry with no other mobile payment options.
The saga of Google Wallet has been bizarre to say the least. Just three years ago carriers were actively blocking it from devices, but now it will come preloaded. The mobile payment war is about to get very intense. The iPhone now has Apple Wallet, and soon Samsung devices will have their own mobile payment system. How will the new and improved Google Wallet fare?
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