Google (News - Alert) announced that it would be releasing some updates to its app, Google Wallet. The app lets users who don’t want to have to fuss with a credit card or cash, pay for items in a store by tapping the smartphone to a machine. The app will now work with all major credit cards and is now compatible with the Android.

While Google Wallet has been praised for its ease of use, it has also been criticized for only working with a Citibank MasterCard (News - Alert) account – only users with that card were able to take advantage of this online payment system. This new release lets customers choose a Visa, MasterCard, American Express (News - Alert) or their Discover accounts when making an in-store or online purchase.

The latest update also provides increased security for users. Now, if their Google Wallet is tampered with or their phone is lost or stolen – users can remotely disable the application from any browser at any time.

RoadFish.com’s senior staff writer commended Google for their latest release saying, “Hats off to Google for really coming through on this one. They are right there in the game alongside Apple (News - Alert), and I think this app is about to be a life-changer. The doors have already been opened wide in terms of capabilities of a phone, and it seems as though Google and Apple are neck-and-neck in leading the march. I am really impressed with the way this app has progressed, and the guys over at Google who worked on this should be mighty proud.”

Google Wallet is currently available with more than 20 national retailers and can be used to purchase items at 200,000 different locations. Although Google Wallet is doing well internationally, the U.S. has yet to jump on board.

Robin Dua, head of project management for Google Wallet, said when something new is introduced, it could take time before it catches on. “Changing behavior is very difficult,” said Dua. “What we are seeing is this is a process in evolution where retailers and issuers have to make a lot of changes, and it’s going to take a bit of time.”

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