FutureFive New Zealand - Consumer technology news & reviews from the future
Story image
Kiwi app launches with Google Wallet
Tue, 7th Apr 2015
FYI, this story is more than a year old

New Zealand developed app, Printicular, is on a shortlist of apps that deliver Google Wallet to Android users, placing it with the likes of Uber, Dominoes and AirBnB.

MEA, the Kiwi based creative agency and product lab, created the photo printing app that has launched with Google's payment system

While Google Wallet is currently still limited to US users, MEA says it hopes to bring the benefit of its expertise to New Zealand.

“As much as possible, consumers are demanding a pain-free, cash-free experience,” says Rodney Macfarlane, MEA co-founder.

“Servicing overseas clientele - particularly the US market - gives us the opportunity to be at the forefront of emerging trends in technology and bring that back to our New Zealand clients,” he says.

In 2014 the company, which now has offices in the US, Australia, Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington, was named number 15 on the Deloitte Fast 50, which ranks the country's fastest-growing companies.

Google Wallet was developed by Google to make cashless transactions a reality for Android users.

The Instant Buy technology turns phones allows users to make secure online payments as well as tap-and-pay transactions through integrated NFC technology.

It securely stores credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, loyalty cards and offers, and allows users to shop online and send money.

“This technology opens doors to a bright digital future for industries such as banking and retail in New Zealand,” says Macfarlane.

More than six million photos have been printed to date using MEA's Printicular app.

Printicular allows users to select, pay and print photos direct from their mobile device.

The app is part of MEA's family of photo printing apps, which lets users print onto canvas, posters and greeting cards alongside traditional photo paper.

Users can use their Google Wallet to make purchases within selected Android apps. Apple Pay is also available in the Printicular iPhone and iPad app.