Google has acquired technology and patents from Softcard, the joint mobile venture between AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Verizon Wireless. Google announced, “Under this relationship, the Google Wallet app, including the tap and pay functionality, will come pre-installed on Android phones (running KitKat or higher) sold by these carriers in the US later this year.”
Softcard, formerly known as Isis, made a strong entrance into the vending industry in 2012 and 2013 partnering with companies including the Coca-Cola Co. and USA Technologies. The partnerships introduced a new concept into vending: mobile payments attached to a nationwide loyalty programs. The USAT partnership also included the Fifth Purchase Free promotion launched in December 2013.
In early 2014 Softcard continued its expansion into vending through a partnership with Cantaloupe Systems wherein the Isis SmartTap™ was integrated on cashless-enabled machines.
It is unclear whether Softcard employees were part of the acquisition. The company laid off more than 60 employees this January.
“Today’s announcement is a positive step forward for the mobile payments industry and wireless consumers,” Softcard announced on its Website. For now, Softcard customers can continue to tap and pay with the app.
No financial details were disclosed.
