It’s no secret that Google Wallet hasn’t exactly caught on, even in the US where it’s more available than you might think. What is a little surprising however, is that the new Nexus 7 recently announced, doesn’t support Google Wallet. If you try to download the app from the Play Store, you’re greeted with the message that the app isn’t compatible with your device. It’s an interesting one for sure but, there is a reason behind it.
Director of Product Management for Google Wallet, Peter Hazlehurst, swung by Android Police’s comment section to shed some light on why it’s not compatible. In his own words:
Hi folks, there is no Secure Element in the new Nexus 7 (or the HTC One Play Edition) which is why Google Wallet isn’t supported.
The reason why Wallet doesn’t work on the new Nexus 7 is because there’s a small piece of hardware missing that keeps all of your credit card information on the device secure. It’s nice to be told the reason but, then you’re asking the question of why – this is a Google piece of hardware after all, you’d think that they’d make sure it’s compatible with all their services. Even one that’s not exactly popular right now.
Still, we can perhaps understand why Google haven’t tried too hard to get Wallet working on the new Nexus 7, after all we really doubt that’s an image Google is looking to create. “Excuse me, can I pay for my gas with my tablet, one sec let me get it out”. It’s hardly going to make Wallet the popular success that Google have always hoped it would come, is it? Paying with a 7-inch tablet doesn’t seem at all convenient to us and we’re sure that a lot of you out there feel the same as well. Not just that but, a 7-inch tablet is a lot easier to snatch out of someone’s hand than a smartphone.
What experiences have you had with Google Wallet? Should it be included in the new Nexus 7?