NFC to be tested by Google in the Big Apple and San Francisco

According to Bloomberg, Google is setting up a test to see if an NFC powered mobile payment system will work on certain Android devices. The testing is to be held in New York and San Francisco and could start in as soon as 4 months. Participating retailers would use special Verifone produced cash registers paid for by the Mountain View based company, while those testing the system would most likely be given a Google branded Nexus S.

As we previously told you, Android 2.3 is expected to support Near Field Communications which would allow your handset to be used in lieu of a credit or debit card when checking out at the register. The test is not only a way to see if the connections all work, but is also a way to promote the fact that Android 2.3 will offer the service. As we reported, Apple has decided to pass up on NFC for the iPhone 5  while putting together its own version of the technology which is expected to appear in the Apple iPhone launched in 2012.

Google's mobile payment system is expected to compete with EBay's PayPal, and the ISIS system powered by Discover Financial. AT&T and Verizon are backers of the latter service.

source: Bloomberg