A new version of the Chrome browser for Android is making its way into the Play Store. The updated build, version 53.0.2785.97 for those keeping score at home, has a lot of security updates and improvements that we’ve come to expect from these types of updates. However, there is also support for Payment Request API which means that this build of Chrome supports Android Pay. The Payment Request API is somewhat self explanatory but here is the W3C definition:
This specification describes a web API to allow merchants (i.e. web sites selling physical or digital goods) to easily accept payments from different payment methods with minimal integration. User agents (e.g., browsers) will facilitate the payment flow between merchant and user.
This means that you will be able to use Android Pay to pay for goods and services through the Chrome browser on your phone without having to type in a credit card number. It should make buying goods online faster and more secure.
The key will be for web developers to bring their sites in alignment with the API so Android Pay can be used. That is already in progress and some sites like Groupon and 1-800-Flowers will
Chrome on Android
already allow for the service to be used to pay for things. Other sites will likely come on board quickly as Google continues the seemingly relentless push to get Android Pay out and used in the world.
The update for Chrome on Android will be rolling out over the course of the next few days and you should get the OTA update for it as it comes to your account. Aside from these under-the-hood changes, don’t look for much to be different on the surface.
