Google is teaming up with MasterCard and Citigroup to embed NFC technology in Android mobile devices, people familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal. The project, which is in its early stages, would allow holders of Citigroup-issued debit and credit cards to pay for purchases by activating a mobile-payment application developed for one current model and many coming models of Android phones. The planned payment system would allow Google to offer retailers more data about their customers and help them target ads and discount offers to mobile-device users near their stores. Google isn't expected to get a cut of the transaction fees. Users would also be able to manage credit-card accounts and track spending through an application on their smartphone. The venture also involves VeriFone Systems, which makes credit-card readers for cash registers. VeriFone would roll out more contactless readers that enable consumers to pay with a wave or tap of a credit or debit card. The readers also would allow people to pay by tapping their smartphones. Google is expected to launch the system this year. A representative of Wal-Mart confirmed the company had a briefing with Google about the technology, but characterized it as very preliminary discussions and said it hasn't been asked to adopt it.
