Google launched its “wallet service” as described here:
Google Wallet Rings Up Visa, Amex, Discover as Partners

This is an interesting way to pay for items, but it does require merchants to sign up and have specialized hardware at their registers.  I understand the appeal of these kinds of systems, but I’m wondering if they will really take off.

Here’s my question – does this really make it easier to pay for things?  The current system of pulling out your “real” wallet, swiping a card, and signing a piece of paper is pretty painless right now.  I suppose this reduces some security concerns, but it does add more management tasks for the consumer – funding the account, keeping card information updated online, etc.   Also, you need a phone that supports it – which many people still do not have.  Most people have pockets or purses, which is all you need to put a “real” wallet.

It’ll be interesting to see how it goes – the current pay system is pretty well entrenched, and convenient, so I think it will be hard to displace.