Mobile

Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 Gets Google Wallet, Courtesy Hack

Anu Passary

Verizon may have played spoilt sport by excluding Google Wallet support from its Galaxy S3 (and Galaxy Nexus), but there's good news for S3 users - a new hack is here to play fairy godmother and give users app access. The NFC-enabled Galaxy S3 can now make mobile payments courtesy the newly developed hack.

Google Wallet is an NFC or Near Field Communication-based app that allows users to access their credit cards and make payments by a simply "waving" the phone or tablet with Google Wallet near a compatible terminal. Samsung's Nexus S, the new Nexus 7, and the Galaxy S3 offer the app out of the box. Rumors are rife that Apple is also expected to incorporate the NFC technology in its impending iPhone 5 and join the wireless payment brigade with iOS 6′s new Passbook app.

The mobile payment system has been the bone of contention for both Verizon Wireless and Google. The launch of the Galaxy S3 created much furore in both camps with disagreements over the app being the order of the day. Tech Gurus opine that the carrier's step-motherly treatment towards the Google Wallet could be accorded to Verizon's own mobile payment system - ISIS, which it is still working on.

Mike Beauchamp and Dustin Evans are the brains behind the hack. A little experience in tinkering with Android phone software and a rooted handset to boot, and you're all set to embrace the world of Google Wallet. Necessary tweaks in place and you're ready for cash- and card-free purchases!

Instructions are available online to port the Google Wallet and you can give it a dekko yourself. For more information you can visit XDA Forums. A note of warning: if you're not advanced enough to install the app, steer clear as this may destroy your expensive S3. Mobile & Apps takes no responsibility for the resulting consequences.

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