Google Wallet Adds Partners, Capabilities, Makes New Friends

It's a good day to be a Nexus S 4G owner. Google has introduced a few new partners and capabilities to Wallet, its Near Field Communication (NFC) based tap-and-pay solution (Unfiltered: Google Wallet launches with Visa, sort of) that for now can be accessed by the Sprint-offered phone.

In American Eagle Outfitters, Container Store, Foot Locker, Guess, Jamba Juice, Macy's, OfficeMax and Toy 'R Us locations, users can not only pay with their phones but redeem coupons and earn rewards points — what Google's calling the Google Wallet SingleTap experience.

The Offers tab has also been updated to include a Featured Offers section, for deals such as 10% at a specific store, or limited-time deals.

Lastly, Google has also improved the view of a transaction's details. At a glance, users can now see the merchant name, the amount spent, a time and date stamp, and the location.

Google, not exactly low on funds, got the word out by sending Googlers to the streets to show off the technology by picking up the tab for shoppers at some participating stores. Most shoppers, it's fair to say, were ecstatic, applauding the technology (and their good luck).

Coming up next, expect Chevron, D'Agostino, Faber News Now, Gristedes supermarkets and the PinkBerry frozen yogurt chain to join Google's list of SingleTap purveyors.

 Google has said that it plans to eventually extend Google Wallet to other handsets and even other platforms, as long as their partners "play by the rules." (CP: Google Wallet: A mobile operator's friend or foe?)