Google has finally released its long rumored Google Checkout, atleast in the USA. It is a PayPal like system to shop online without having to re-enter your personal information each time you want to make a purchase.
Unlike PayPal though, Checkout is not an online bank account to send and receive money, atleast not yet.
Currently, it is enabling an easy way to purchase items from a select few sites, like Starbucks, Levi’s, DVD Empire, and Buy.com. Sites like Amazon have still not been added to the list. Google suggests you look for their shopping cart icon within AdWords on search results, which is just another way for them to try to bring attention to their ads, one of their key money makers.
I am hoping that this creates some competition between PayPal and Google Checkout, meaning better service and cheaper prices for users like me.
I have to admit that I found that video presentation pretty likeable–that is, not obnoxious at all.
I liked the commercial as well. And google checkout is a great idea. Its a good thing they hired the world’s smartest people. It is becoming more and more evident.
Now correct me if I am wrong, I think I read in an early version of Windows Vista release notes that they will be offering a comparable service?!?!