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Monday, 5 July 2010

Google Checkout introduces Android m-payments option

Google has launched a tool designed to enable one-man-band merchants moving from site-to-site to accept payments using its Checkout system and Android mobile phones.

In a blog, the search giant says it’s Android Payment Chrome Extension "helps merchants quickly set up a store and accept payments via Google Checkout and Android".

Before they can take payments, users need to set up a Checkout Merchant account and then create their own webstore template using the Store Gadget Wizard - a tool that taps Google Docs spreadsheets to help people quickly set up an online 'store

The store can then be embedded into a Google Sites page, which also needs to be built using pre-built templates.

Once set up, merchants can add the Android Payment Chrome Extension. They are then able to create a cart on a laptop containing the products a customer wants to buy. They then click the green Checkout with Android button and have the customer scan the QR code displayed with their phone. The QR code directs the customer to the buy page where they can complete their purchase.

Google admits the option has limited appeal, saying "this payment method may not be perfect for all cases".