The Google Wallet program did indeed launch yesterday, just as we predicted. And now comes word that the system won’t be entirely dependent on MasterCard (having different Google Wallet options? Priceless). Google acquired a worldwide license to use Visa’s payWave system in Google Wallet, thus opening any merchant that has that equipment to Google Wallet users who have Visa cards. Google also announced that Discover and American Express will be on Google Wallet soon.

This is a case of Google trying to expand Wallet as quickly as it can so it can become a real thing people use and not just a weird curiosity. This is because other NFC (near field communications, wave a thingie around) payment systems are coming to market fast. One wonders if El Cinco will have it as well.