Ebay: It was fun while it lasted
Andy Beal has another good find, reporting on what looks like a very, very scary concept for the folks at Ebay. Google is currently testing a secure payment system to be used with Google Base that will start sometime in the near future. It’s just Google’s latest step in world domination.
"For buyers, this feature will provide a convenient and secure way to purchase Google Base items by credit card. For sellers, this feature integrates transaction processing with Google Base item management…we’re starting with a very small number of sellers and we expect to include more over the next several months."
Dear Ebay: we are so sorry this happened to you.
The new payment system will allow buyers to use their Google Accounts to store credit card information, effectively turning Google into an e-commerce site. The new feature will put Google in direct competition with marketplace sites like Ebay and Craigslist, and may also give PayPal a run for their money (no pun intended). According to the Google Base blog, the company plans to start small and gradually increase the number of users and listings available for purchase via a Google Account.
The announcement shouldn’t come as any big surprise. Google already accepts payments for users buying Google Video content, Google Earth licenses, and Google Store items with their Google Accounts. Creating a payment system does seem like the next logical step especially if you’re Google.
Google Base is currently in beta and allows users to store information, ranging from recipes, cars and jobs to charities and classified ads.
Watch out kids, Google could be coming for you next.