This may not be the UK operators first attempt at dipping its fingers logo into your pockets, but O2's new mobile wallet does bring with it some de rigeur functionality. Taking a leaf out of Barclays' book, the new app lets you send "Money Messages," essentially text-driven money transfers to any phone number. There's smart-shopping features, too, such as a barcode reader for price comparisons, and daily discount deals to stop the well from going dry too soon. Interestingly, you can also apply for a physical companion card, based on Visa's pre-pay service to bring your virtual wallet into the real world. Not an O2 customer? Doesn't matter, apparently, and the app is "compatible with the majority of smartphones as well as iPads" which we guess means iOS at least, and Android, too, judging by the phones shown in the video after the break.

Continue reading O2 UK launches new wallet service, helps you empty yours (video)

O2 UK launches new wallet service, helps you empty yours (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.