By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Google Pay gets more “social” in Singapore, lets users split lunch bills easily
Share
Aa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Aa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Internet > Google Pay gets more “social” in Singapore, lets users split lunch bills easily
InternetSoftware

Google Pay gets more “social” in Singapore, lets users split lunch bills easily

Alfred Siew
Last updated: September 28, 2020 at 2:10 PM
Alfred Siew Published September 28, 2020
4 Min Read
SHARE

Google Pay users got a major upgrade in Singapore last week, with new “social” features that make it easier to, say, split the cost of a meal with friends through the e-wallet.

The mobile app is now also connected to DBS, OCBC Bank and Standard Chartered Bank via PayNow, a popular fund transfer service here, so these bank customers can send money across to any PayNow user.

Previously, only OCBC Bank customers could use Google Pay to send money via PayNow, so now more users can use the Internet giant’s mobile app to do so.

They can send money to contacts as if they are sending a message to them, as long as they are connected to PayNow as well.

What Google is offering is similar to how existing bank apps and other e-wallets work now, by making it easy to transfer money to people on your phone contact list, without having to ask for their bank account.

So, if you wish to split your lunch bill with your friends, simply go to the Google Pay app and ask them to, erm, pay up, by sending them a request. When they do, you’ll have the amount credited to your account.

Google is also pitching the app as something of an all-in-one offering, which includes payments for things like cinema tickets and food delivery.

Yes, something like what Alipay and WeChat Pay offer in China, which the likes of Grab are trying to emulate as well.

But unlike Grab, Google is not trying to be a bank or seeking a banking licence, so it still requires users to have a bank account or credit card to tie to their Google Pay account.

What it is trying to do is to provide an easier interface, something that many banks struggle with – just look at how clunky your e-banking or e-wallet app is, for example.

Interestingly, Singapore is only the second country – after India – to offer this new version of the Google Pay app.

In its announcement last week, the Internet giant cited the vast adoption of PayNow, with four million people here and nearly three-quarters of all organisations already on it.

What Google would want to avoid is to cause more confusion in a marketplace that is already filled with many payment options, from QR code payments (Google Pay, previously known as Android Pay, also supports that) to mobile e-wallets, which let users not just pay but keep a stored value on hand.

As digital payments become more accepted, all sorts of companies are muscling into the space, from telecom operators such as Singtel to game companies like Razer. What they will all agree on is that user experience will be key.

Trust, as well, of course. On this, Google can count on users who already use so many of its services, from maps to e-mail. The large installed base of Android devices will also help it gain share rapidly.

You Might Also Like

Five ways the Roborock S8 robot vacuum will change the way you clean your home

After another DBS outage, is it time to make banks publicly report service uptime?

IT leaders must manage the tension point between application development and security by embracing a DevSecOps approach

As TikTok faces a possible ban in the US, should users elsewhere be worried?

Foodpanda to use Gogoro electric scooters in battery swapping trial with Cycle & Carriage

TAGGED: DBS, fintech, Google, Google Pay, mobile wallet, PayNow, standard chartered bank

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Alfred Siew September 28, 2020
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Share
Avatar photo
By Alfred Siew
Follow:
Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
Previous Article World’s premier cycling event, Tour de France, goes virtual
Next Article 5G New Radio tipping point: How standards and conformance tests shape the future of 5G
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow

Latest News

Five ways the Roborock S8 robot vacuum will change the way you clean your home
Internet March 31, 2023
After another DBS outage, is it time to make banks publicly report service uptime?
Enterprise Internet March 30, 2023
Xiaomi 13 Pro review: A photography powerhouse with 1-inch image sensor
Cellphones Mobile March 29, 2023
IT leaders must manage the tension point between application development and security by embracing a DevSecOps approach
Cybersecurity Enterprise Software March 29, 2023
//

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
Follow US

© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact

Join Us!

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?