With Black Friday looming, Google has decided it's time to merge its Checkout and Wallet services, kicking-off the hectic holiday shopping season with a way to streamline user experience.
This move makes sense, as the two services have essentially the same function, now it's just one single wallet. Google also announced that it will start to integrate Google Wallet as the main payment method in the Android Market, on YouTube and Google+Games, according to a post by Ben Lee, Google Wallet's Product Manager.
The merge currently means no changes for merchants, but there are a few things Google has said will help consumers. Primarily, Wallet users will save time, paying in a simple and safe way. When shopping with a vendor that accepts Google Wallet, all users need is their username and password to complete a purchase, no need to re-input credit card numbers or billing addresses every time.
If you already have Google Checkout, you can automatically transition your account next time you log in or make a purchase.
Happy shopping.
[Google Commerce]
Photo via Flickr/kennejima
