Friday, December 11, 2015

Send money to anyone in your contact list with Google Wallet

No email? No problem! Now you can send money to anyone in your contact list using just a phone number.



When you send money to a phone number, the recipient will get a text message with a secure link. They can simply enter their debit card to claim the money and it will be available in their bank account within minutes.



To start using this feature, look for a new version of the Google Wallet app on Google Play or in the App Store in the next few days.


Keep the feedback coming
We’re thrilled with the great feedback we’ve received on the new Google Wallet app, and we’re working hard to make the experience even better.



In recent weeks, we’ve released a number of updates, including:
  • Improved contact suggestions, so you see the people you send money to most often first 
  • A security feature that lets you lock the Google Wallet app with the tap of a button 
  • The ability to link a second bank account 



We’d love to hear more about what features you want to see in Google Wallet. Share your feedback with us in the app or on our Twitter or Google+ accounts.



The Google Wallet Team
Get it on Google Play   

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Google Express: you be Santa; we’ll handle the rest

Every year, there’s a joyous feeling in the air as excitement builds to that special holiday moment with friends and family. Leading up to the holiday break, though, we know you have loads to do, like shop for gifts, pick up holiday decor, and (of course) bake cookies for Santa. Last year, folks from Boston, Chicago, DC, Manhattan, West LA and the Bay Area trusted Google Express to get their holiday must-haves delivered — whether it was the gingerbread cookies in the nick of time for the holiday party, festive lights for the home, toys for the kiddos, or an epic ugly sweater for the company contest. This year, we’re thrilled to reach more than 95 million people (nearly 1/3 of the US — hurrah!) with massive new coverage across most of the Midwest and all of California.

Give me s’more, you say? To help with your to-dos, we’re pleased to work with more of your favorite stores so you can relax and do all your holiday shopping in one place — the palm of your hand.
            
Last year, we noticed that average searches for ‘tableware’ grew three times in December compared to the rest of the year, while searches for ‘baking’ related items peaked a week before Christmas. So, to help with your holiday meal prep, we’re delighted to bring you Bed Bath & Beyond and Sur La Table, where you can find bakeware and festive dinnerware perfect for your holiday gatherings.

In the Bay Area, we saw four times the number of searches for ‘Christmas tree’ right after Thanksgiving, while searches for ‘holiday decor’ tripled the week after. This year, we’re thrilled to work with Orchard Supply Hardware and Balsam Hill to have beautiful trees, home decor and so much more, delivered right to your door.

If you haven’t already, sign up for Google Express and get a free 3-month membership trial* to see how we can make your holidays all the merrier. And for a limited time, enjoy $15 off your first purchase by entering code REINDEER15 at checkout.**

Happy shopping and happy holidays!
The Google Express Team

*3-month trial offer expires Jan. 31, 2017. After free trial, membership auto-renews. Cancel at any time.
**Applies only to 1st purchase (even if it’s less than the coupon value). Valid until Dec. 31, 2015 while your account’s active. Alcohol, gift cards, membership costs and shipping & service fees excluded.
For complete terms and conditions, see g.co/express/trial.