Payments

Reports suggesting that Google is rethinking its Google Wallet are based on revelations that two executives recently departed the project and that the search giant is scrambling to sign deals with wireless carriers to offer its mobile wallet. However, at least one analyst says Google Wallet is on track with where it should be.

PayPal has its eye on several digital wallet initiatives that are all aimed at storing information in the cloud and making it easier for merchants and consumers to buy products on a variety of different devices.

Pinkberry is letting consumers pay for yogurt, redeem coupons and receive discounts by implementing Google Wallet into its mobile strategy.

VeriFone is seeing significant uptake of its mobile payments services by merchants and now expects its annual run rate to exceed $10 billion.

Shippensburg University is letting students order meals via an NFC-enabled sticker at two cafeterias in the school.

Mexican restaurant Pancho Villa is letting diners pay for their meals via Tabbedout’s mobile application.

Marseille Tourist Office & Convention Bureau is letting visitors pay for public transportation, as well as access museums and city attractions through an NFC-enabled city pass.

PayPal introduced new services for both consumers and merchants this week as it continues to focus on building a digital payments business with mobile as a key component.

PayPal is reportedly preparing to launch a smartphone attachment for processing credit card transactions similar to what Square and others are already offering.

The shape that Apple’s rumored mobile payments solution will eventually take became a little clearer this week when the manufacturing giant was awarded a patent that covers mobile payment controls.