Google Wallet Launch Largely Symbolic?

Google might be launching its Google Wallet service soon, a move some would say is more of a "private beta" than a "public beta," given the small number of people equipped with devices featuring near field communications, and the relatively small number of retail locations where those phones can be used to shop.

Changing consumer behavior could prove challenging in the near term, many would say. Using plastic cards is comfortable and familiar to most people and many users will seen no reason to alter their behavior, unless there are deals or other incentives to get them to adopt mobile payments.

That last point is why some of us think "daily deals," social shopping, promotion and marketing apps must be part of the emerging mobile payments and mobile wallet business. If the payments system isn't broken, there is no driver for a "fix." What could alter the value-hassle or value-price equation is significant new value.

Google Wallet Launch Largely Symbolic