Sprint introducing mobile wallet to simplify app purchases

Sprint (NYSE:S) is poised to unveil a new mobile wallet solution giving subscribers greater flexibility over how they purchase applications and related premium content. "It's not a financial instrument--it's basically a container that allows you to very easily put your own financial instruments into the device and then choose how you want to use them," Sprint director of open enablement Kevin McGinnis told FierceMobileContent during an interview at the recent CTIA Enterprise & Applications conference. "You can put your credit card or debit card information in there, similar to what you would do with an iTunes account. We'll have partners in the mobile wallet as well, so the PayPals, Google Checkouts and Amazons of the world will have their financial instruments and prepaid account capabilities in there as well." McGinnis adds Sprint is "very close" to launching the mobile wallet, and will offer additional details at its annual developer conference, beginning Oct. 26 in Santa Clara, Calif.

The mobile wallet solution follows the launch of Sprint ID, a series of mobile content packs collecting apps, widgets, ringtones, wallpapers and related media into a single download experience, bundled together under one overarching brand (partners include Amazon, Yahoo, ESPN, Home Shopping Network, Disney and MTV) or one category (e.g., entertainment or fitness). Although the first Sprint ID packs are available as free downloads, McGinnis said publisher partners can charge premium prices for their content, with Sprint providing carrier billing options.

For much more on Sprint ID, the mobile wallet and related initiatives, be sure to check out FierceMobileContent's comprehensive interview with McGinnis.

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