Hey Blu: How Do I use... Google Wallet?

These are the instructions for those of you who need help using your Google Wallet. Yes, there are still people who don't know how to use this app or its feature to pay via tap, but... it's all good. This topic was actually inspired by a good friend who didn't have her account set up just and isn't as tech-savvy. So as promised, here's the article to cover this topic... for those who could utilize the info, including super busy mom's like my friend. Speaking of moms... Happy Mother's Day ladies (especially my mom)!

Fun Fact: NFC is how people use which is Near Field Communication. NFC chip is a feature in most modern phones that gives you the ability to use your device for data transfer within an extremely short distance. How short? 4 cm or less.

You're able to use this for more than a few things like... authenticating security keys (that some professionals in tech are required to have), pairing certain audio devices,  unlocking doors via locks that feature NFC, sticker tags that give people access to things like your wifi so that they aren't searching for you during a party or something, etc. The NFC sticker tags come to mind for guest rooms, especially if the cell phone signal tends to be weak in your area. Nevertheless, you aren't hear for these tidbits, you want to know how in the world do you use Google Wallet, so... let's jump in:

Google Wallet gives you the ability to add multiple things like your Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Your Vax info (if you have and need such information for verification in order to go to certain locations including countries), flight info, your transit pass, loyalty cards, etc.

First and foremost, go to the Google Play Store site or the App. Look for this icon on your phone 

• From PC, click on... "Install" (it will look similar on your phone).

*Mine shows "Install on more devices" because... it's already installed.

• After installing, look for the icon you see above (Android usually goes straight to the installed app).
  
  
• Once you click on it. Click on the "Sign in" button in the top right-hand corner.

• Enter your email address and password.
  
  
• Click on "Add to Wallet" in the lower right-hand corner:
  
  
• Here is where you add payment cards, transit passes, loyalty cards, and gift cards, and you're even able to use your PayPal account via tap. Just go to the bottom where you see the PayPal icon.

• Once it's set up... go back to your account icon in the upper right-hand corner (click on "Tap to pay setup"). Here... everything should be checked off.
  
  

You may take a step back and question the security of Google Wallet, and... you're 100% within your right to, but no one can just up and use your cards. You can go straight back to the banking institution or other wallet entry and state your case. Have I ever had to deal with this? Nope, in fact... people have easier access to your cards via pocket scanners. Why? As seen in the "Tap to pay setup" area, you can use your screen lock on your phone which I highly recommend. They can't steal what they can't access (unless the company you're paying is the culprit... but that has nothing to do with the app or physical cards), and you'd be the one going through the final step to unlock your screen.

Going to a gas station with the tap as an available option, you completely avoid the need to insert a physical card... and in turn, you avoid the card readers the scammers may place inside them. You will even notice that most of our debit cards have the tap option too... but you don't have a need to pull out your wallet when you have Google Wallet.
 

Fun Fact: My card's tap stopped working a while back and I shifted to Google Wallet.

That said, I hope this helps those of you who were unaware of Google Wallet or you were curious about it. If you went through with the setup, you're good to go (for tap and online orders).

*If you need step-by-step solutions for your PC... click here.

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Oh no they did-Nt... oh but yes they did! WTF?! + From the Source: Square Enix - Lara & Lightning

So... Ys Net... the developer of Shenmue (and it's pending third installment), is allowing their initial backers the opportunity to make them look bad (not only to those considered "Slacker Backers" but also others who agree with us that this is wrong). Why? I'll tell you why, because they allowed a select minority of the initial backers deny secondary backers... rewards.

Are backers not going after the same unified results of this game seeing the light of day? Don't have a PayPal if their support doesn't matter as much as the initial backers to the point that you allow the initial backers to take a crap in a bag so that you can dump it on the heads of other supporters. That is disrespectful and shows a lack of appreciation for the support that people are giving which could be hard earned money they are giving because they believe in Shenmue... and feels that it should be able to rise from the ashes.

It may sound like I am taking things to another level, but you have to think about it. What if you need the support of someone in the future that you've dumped crap on? If you don't want them to have those rewards, give them a different set, but don't crap on the supporters, and further more no one should call them "Slackers" because you don't know what they probably were going through at the time.

That's basically saying w/ a cold ungrateful heart: Thanks for the money... slacker! (IMO)

I mean... can you imagine giving someone something and they diss you? The hell is that? 

If someone had to feed their family, pay the bills, make sure that they could get to work or cover tuition or... any number of things... I would commend them for not being crazy enough to back a game prior to supporting. So don't damage your reputation, and never let a small group of people dictate what you should do for others.

Ys Net openly admits to breaking a promise:
Considering the strong response from those of you who felt that the Exclusive Rewards should remain exclusive for the Kickstarter, those Exclusive Rewards will not be made available on the PayPal page as originally promised.

Think about this though... If the PayPal supporters aren't going to benefit from the Kickstarter exclusives, why add those PayPal collected funds to the Kickstarter total for the game's development? If you are reading this thinking... "Because it benefits everyone if more Area Stretch Goals get unlocked", I would say, "That's very true, and since its benefiting everyone via Kickstarter... the rewards should be obtainable by everyone also or... simply create separate ones for them". 
Be creative, not cruel with supporters Yu Suzuki. What is the definition of a "Scam"?

SQUARE ENIX AND CRYSTAL DYNAMICS ANNOUNCE RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER RELEASE DATE FOR WINDOWS 10 AND STEAM  Award Winning and Critically Acclaimed Adventure Coming to PCs on January 28th

REDWOOD CITY (January 5, 2016) - Following Rise of the Tomb Raider’s highly successful release exclusively for Xbox One and Xbox 360, Square Enix® today announced that the game will be available for Windows 10 and Steam on January 28, 2016. Bringing the game’s thrilling narrative and perilous environments to PC in stunning new detail, developers Crystal Dynamics® and Nixxes Software added numerous features, including Windows 10 support and 4K resolution. Rise of the Tomb Raider® was nominated for Best Action/Adventure for The Game Awards and follows the critically acclaimed, award-winning Tomb Raider®. “The PC release of Rise of the Tomb Raider continues the positive momentum from our highly successful partnership and collaboration with Microsoft for the launch on Xbox One and Xbox 360,” said Scot Amos co-Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics. “PC players are a passionate, devoted audience and we know they’ll embrace the version created for their systems,” said Ron Rosenberg, co-Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics. After uncovering an ancient mystery, Lara must explore the most treacherous and remote regions of Siberia to find the secret of immortality before a ruthless organization known as Trinity. Lara must use her wits and survival skills, form new alliances, and ultimately embrace her destiny as the Tomb Raider. Experience high-octane action moments, conquer beautifully hostile environments, engage in brutal guerilla combat, and explore awe-inspiring deadly tombs in the evolution of survival action. In “Rise of the Tomb Raider,” Lara becomes more than a survivor as she embarks on her first Tomb Raiding expedition. The PC version of Rise of the Tomb Raider will be available as a digital download via Steam®, the Windows Store, Amazon™, the Square Enix e-store and other major retailers – both in-store and online. Standard edition pricing is $59.99. The Digital Deluxe edition is $89.99 and includes a Season Pass to nearly all current and future DLC. A Collector’s Edition, which includes the Digital Deluxe version of the game, a 12-inch Lara Croft® statue, replicas of Lara’s journal and jade necklace, and a steel case, will also be available from the Square Enix e-store for $149.99. This doesn't exactly relate to gaming, but Square-Enix is making  moves like Nintendo and partnering up for the unexpected. LIGHTNING BECOMES A FASHION ICON IN LOUIS VUITTON’S “SERIES 4” CAMPAIGN LOS ANGELES (Jan. 5, 2015) - The heroine of FINAL FANTASY® XIII, Lightning, will make an appearance in the global campaign of Louis Vuitton’s spring-summer 2016 collection, “Series 4.” This collaboration between the world famous fashion brand Louis Vuitton and Lightning, the strong and determined heroine of FINAL FANTASY XIII, has been made a reality, with Lightning being the perfect model to express the themes explored by the Louis Vuitton Women’s Collection “Series 4.” This collaboration embodies the shared values cherished by both Louis Vuitton and FINAL FANTASY; to preserve our traditions while constantly seeking out new and revolutionary ideas in order to deliver products of world-class quality. Under this philosophy we aim to bring a new value and new experiences to the world. As the model for the “Series 4,” Lightning will appear on various magazine advertisements starting from the January 2016 issue and will also star in promotional videos for the campaign. Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuttion’s Artistic Director of Women's collections, commented, “It’s clear that the virtual aesthetic of video games is predominant in this collection. If we push the reflection about heroines, or what might constitute the nature of a woman whose actions can be so courageous that she becomes superior and iconic, it becomes obvious that a virtual entity integrates with the founding principles of the Maison. Lightning is the perfect avatar for a global, heroic woman and for a world where social networks and communications are now seamlessly woven into our life. She is also the symbol of new pictorial processes. How can you create an image that goes beyond the classic principles of photography and design? Lightning heralds a new era of expression.” “The stunning new look of Lightning including her poses and character in action was fully produced by Louis Vuitton,” said Tetsuya Nomura, the character designer of Lightning. ”Additionally, thanks to the Visual Works team, they were able to produce brilliant work under a tight schedule. This collaboration is not just a promotion of a game, and it is a great honor that the character herself received an offer from a world famous brand. As a result of this collaboration, this has infused new breath into the character, Lightning.” Speaking of Square-Enix... there will be quite a bit of content rolling out, as we release review after review of Square-Enix games. By the way... another episode of "Drama'N'Drablands" is coming this Friday. Game on! ;)