In a fresh blow to Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform, PayPal has announced that it will not renew or upgrade its Windows Phone app when it will launch the latest version of its app for Android and iOS platforms. Users of devices running Android 4.0.3 or later versions of the Android operating system and iOS 8.1 or later versions of the operating system will be able to upgrade to version 6.0 of the PayPal app from June 3 through June 30. Users of Amazon Fire devices as well as BlackBerry devices will not be able to upgrade their respective PayPal apps as well and will have to switch to a device running either Android or iOS operating system if they wish to continue using the app. However, BlackBerry Priv will be saved from the cull as it runs Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system at present.
PayPal users who love their Windows phones and do not wish to switch over to Android or iOS will be able to use PayPal’s mobile web experience on Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge browsers in their phones. Existing BlackBerry users will also be able to use the BBM app to send payments via PayPal. While Windows Phone users will be able to send payments via PayPal directly from their Outlook inbox, owners of Amazon Fire devices will need to login in to PayPal from web browsers stored in their devices. “It was a difficult decision to no longer support the PayPal app on these mobile platforms, but we believe it’s the right thing to ensure we are investing our resources in creating the very best experiences for our customers,” said PayPal on a post in its website. Aside from being restricted to only Android and iOS operating systems, the PayPal app has recently undergone a major transformation in terms of user interface, new fonts, support for fingerprint sensors on Android 6.0 Marshmallow devices and several other new features. Once you start using the upgraded PayPal app, you will be able to create a new account on the app itself and will be able to browse through the app easily thanks to a new Quick Actions feature.
Being the most popular payment system across the world, PayPal has undergone several transformations in recent years. Last year, to cash in on the booming contactless payment system, PayPal launched its Here chip-based card reader which supported NFC-based services like Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay. Available for $149, the Here card also supports magnetic strip cards and can pair with a smartphone via Bluetooth to ensure smoother payments. As per Brad Brodigan, VP and GM at PayPal, the multifunctional ability of PayPal’s Here card reader will enable consumers to make payments anytime, anywhere and anyhow they please.