On Monday, Google announced that they had purchased "technology and intellectual property" from Softcard, essentially acquiring the core of that company's product line. The effort is likely a desperate move to catch up to Apple Pay, which is picking up commercial adoption by many banks and retail outlets.
Softcard is also available in the US for Windows Phone, specifically with Verizon and AT&T being supporters. In fact, the apps only recently became available (although our personal experience with their service was not exactly awe-inspiring). The fate of Softcard for Windows Phone though was not known until now.
Softcard has now made it official: the Windows Phone Softcard app is hereby cancelled. From their FAQ section:
"The Softcard for Windows Phone app will also be terminated. A specific termination date will be provided soon."
No mincing of words there at all. Of course, Softcard no longers owns the technology behind their app, so this makes sense that they will abandon the product. Google is expected to merge the Softcard technology into their own pay system, making the standalone app redundant..
We suppose if you folks need fuel for your anti-Google fire, the Mountain View company just gave you a barrel full. Sound off in comments about their decision and what this means for the Google-Microsoft relationship long term.
Update: Article clarified. Google does not own Softcard, merely their technology behind their services. As such, Softcard discontinuing support for their product is expected, as Google is evidently not interested in continuing the product line for Windows Phone.
Source: Google/Softcard; Thanks, Matthew V., for the tip!
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