Latest news with #GoogleWallet
Jordan News
3 days ago
- Business
- Jordan News
2.59 Million E-Wallet Users in Jordan and 158% Growth in Transactions - Jordan News
Jordan's digital payments market is witnessing remarkable growth, reflecting a gradual shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable digital economy. According to Visa's data, the number of e-wallet users in the Kingdom reached approximately 2.59 million by the end of 2024, representing a significant portion of the country's population of about 11.5 million. اضافة اعلان These figures highlight the increasing adoption of financial technology as a key tool in the daily lives of both citizens and residents, according to Mario Makary, Vice President and Levant Area Manager at Visa, in an interview with Al-Ghad. Transactions through digital wallets recorded a record growth of 158% during the same year, the highest growth rate among all mobile payment services in Jordan. This surge reflects the accelerated shift in consumer behavior toward cashless payment solutions, particularly with the availability of secure, fast, and user-friendly services. This growth is also supported by the widespread use of mobile phones, which reached a penetration rate of 82.3% of the population at the beginning of 2025. This makes the Kingdom a fertile environment for the adoption of smart wallets such as Google Wallet, which has been expanding through strategic partnerships between global companies like Visa and Google, and official entities such as the Central Bank of Jordan. These developments align with the National E-Payments Strategy, which is part of the Jordanian government's plan to achieve comprehensive digital transformation, drive financial inclusion, and reduce reliance on cash. The Economic Modernization Program (2023–2025) aims to create an enabling digital environment that supports innovation in the fintech sector and attracts both local and international investments. In addition, regulatory authorities are working to strengthen trust in digital payments through legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the Digital Assets Transactions Regulation Law. This enhances Jordan's ability to keep pace with global financial advancements and provides a safe environment for the expansion of e-wallet services within the Kingdom.
Fintech News ME
11-07-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Google Pay Launches in Oman and Lebanon
Google has announced the launch of Google Pay in Lebanon and Oman, expanding its digital payment offering in the Middle East and North Africa region. The service is now available for Android and Wear OS users in both countries. With this expansion, users in Lebanon and Oman can make secure payments in stores that accept contactless transactions, as well as in apps and on websites. Cardholders will also be able to store their debit and credit cards in Google Wallet, which is launching concurrently in both markets. Google Pay offers multiple layers of security to support safe transactions. This includes the use of industry standard tokenisation, which replaces card details with a virtual account number. Each token is specific to a device and is paired with a dynamic security code that changes with every transaction. The introduction of Google Pay in Lebanon and Oman forms part of Google's ongoing efforts to enhance access to digital payment tools across the region.
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Google Pay - a contactless payment option for Oman's Android users
Muscat: Google recently announced the start of Google Pay or Google Wallet in two new countries, Lebanon and Oman, which can be used via Android phone devices. While making an announcement, the company said Google Pay allows people to pay and make secure purchases in stores (where contactless payments are accepted), in apps, and on the web. Cardholders will also be able to store credit or debit cards for Google Pay within Google Wallet, a digital wallet. Cardholders can make safer payments with multiple layers of security for transactions by using a virtual card number (a token), device-specific, that is associated with a dynamic security code that changes with each transaction. In Oman, Users can utilize Google Pay to make purchases through websites and mobile applications that support the service. However, features like sending money to friends or paying for services are not supported in Oman. For now, only Sohar International Bank has enabled Google Pay for customers, allowing them to make contactless payments using their Android phones. This service is available for international debit, credit, and prepaid cardholders. To use Google Pay, customers need to add their card to the Google Wallet app. Last year, with the launch of the Apple Pay service, the Sultanate of Oman joined the rest of the GCC markets that enable people to make online and offline payments via mobile devices. Unlike Samsung Pay, Google Pay will be available for all Android mobile users with versions Android 9 or higher. Mohammed bin Saif al Manji of TechOneFive, an initiative group promoting awareness of new technologies, stated, "Digital payments in Oman are gaining remarkable momentum, driven by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO)'s proactive efforts to promote a cashless society through initiatives such as mobile wallets, QR code payments, and robust card tokenization frameworks. The launch of Samsung Pay in April 2024 and Apple Pay in September 2024 marked key milestones in this journey. The recent support for Google Pay adds another secure and convenient option for users across the Sultanate. These platforms empower consumers to make contactless payments seamlessly using their smartphones and smartwatches. Many Omani banks have integrated these solutions, enabling customers to link their debit and credit cards effortlessly. This aligns directly with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes digital transformation and sustainable economic modernization.' 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
09-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Google Pay - a contactless payment option for Oman's Android users
Muscat: Google recently announced the start of Google Pay or Google Wallet in two new countries, Lebanon and Oman, which can be used via Android phone devices. While making an announcement, the company said Google Pay allows people to pay and make secure purchases in stores (where contactless payments are accepted), in apps, and on the web. Cardholders will also be able to store credit or debit cards for Google Pay within Google Wallet, a digital wallet. Cardholders can make safer payments with multiple layers of security for transactions by using a virtual card number (a token), device-specific, that is associated with a dynamic security code that changes with each transaction. In Oman, Users can utilize Google Pay to make purchases through websites and mobile applications that support the service. However, features like sending money to friends or paying for services are not supported in Oman. For now, only Sohar International Bank has enabled Google Pay for customers, allowing them to make contactless payments using their Android phones. This service is available for international debit, credit, and prepaid cardholders. To use Google Pay, customers need to add their card to the Google Wallet app. Last year, with the launch of the Apple Pay service, the Sultanate of Oman joined the rest of the GCC markets that enable people to make online and offline payments via mobile devices. Unlike Samsung Pay, Google Pay will be available for all Android mobile users with versions Android 9 or higher. Mohammed bin Saif al Manji of TechOneFive, an initiative group promoting awareness of new technologies, stated, "Digital payments in Oman are gaining remarkable momentum, driven by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO)'s proactive efforts to promote a cashless society through initiatives such as mobile wallets, QR code payments, and robust card tokenization frameworks. The launch of Samsung Pay in April 2024 and Apple Pay in September 2024 marked key milestones in this journey. The recent support for Google Pay adds another secure and convenient option for users across the Sultanate. These platforms empower consumers to make contactless payments seamlessly using their smartphones and smartwatches. Many Omani banks have integrated these solutions, enabling customers to link their debit and credit cards effortlessly. This aligns directly with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes digital transformation and sustainable economic modernization.'
Tom's Guide
04-07-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Garmin's Lily 2 Active smartwatch is slim, fashionable — and now on sale for Prime Day
The Garmin Lily 2 Active is the best Garmin running watch for anyone who wants a fitness tracker that doubles as a smartwatch, keeps tabs on your health, and doesn't take up your whole wrist. It's chic, small, lightweight and functional. Right now, you can get the Garmin Lily 2 Active for $249 at Amazon. It has built-in GPS, advanced health metrics like heart rate and sleep tracking, plus smart notifications to keep you connected without needing your phone. (For more deals, follow our Prime Day deals live blog). The Garmin Lily 2 Active is $50 off right now in the early Prime Day deals. It's a compact watch that covers all the basics like run tracking, heart rate, and sleep without feeling bulky. If you've been thinking about upgrading your running gear, this is a great chance to do it without breaking the bank. Its sleek design makes it comfortable enough to wear all day, whether you're running or at the office. If you want a fitness watch that looks as good as it works, this is a great time to grab it. Building on the original Garmin Lily, the Lily 2 Active brings some handy upgrades that make it great for both everyday wear and workouts. It has built-in GPS, so you can leave your phone at home but still track your runs accurately. Plus, new smart features like Google Wallet make it easier to use the watch for more than just fitness tracking. Despite its small size, the Lily 2 Active doesn't compromise on health monitoring, offering insights into sleep quality, stress levels, and energy reserves. It's swim-friendly too, with water resistance up to 50 meters, so you don't need to take it off in the pool or shower.
