The new Samsung Gear S3 with Samsung Pay supports a range of devices, including some non-Samsung devices. This feature makes it a versatile option for users who may not own a Samsung smartphone but still want to take advantage of Samsung Pay’s convenient mobile payment system.
However, it looks like the new Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are not supported by Samsung Pay on the Gear S3 smartwatch. This limitation has caused some confusion and frustration among users who own these Google devices and were hoping to use Samsung Pay with their Gear S3.
Compatibility Issues with Google Pixel Devices
James Johnston, a Google Pixel user, encountered an error message when trying to get Samsung Pay to work with his Gear S3. Seeking clarification, he reached out to Samsung on Twitter and received the following response:
@cyberslash69 Hi there, #SamsungPay on the Gear S3 is not available with Pixel devices. (1/2)
— Samsung Pay (@SamsungPay) November 25, 2016
This response confirmed that Samsung Pay on the Gear S3 is not available for Google Pixel devices. Unfortunately, Samsung did not provide any further details on why this incompatibility exists or when it might be resolved.
Potential Reasons for Incompatibility
There are several potential reasons why Samsung Pay on the Gear S3 might not be compatible with Google Pixel devices. One possibility is that there are technical limitations or software compatibility issues that prevent the two systems from working together seamlessly. Another possibility is that there are business or strategic reasons behind the decision, such as agreements or partnerships that influence which devices are supported.
For example, Samsung may prioritize compatibility with its own devices to encourage users to stay within the Samsung ecosystem. This strategy could help Samsung maintain a competitive edge in the mobile payment market by offering exclusive features to its customers.
Additionally, there could be security concerns that need to be addressed before Samsung Pay can be made available on Google Pixel devices. Mobile payment systems require robust security measures to protect users’ financial information, and ensuring compatibility with a new device may involve extensive testing and development.
Impact on Users and Future Updates
The lack of support for Google Pixel devices is undoubtedly disappointing for users who were looking forward to using Samsung Pay with their Gear S3. However, it’s important to note that Samsung frequently updates its software and expands compatibility for its services. While there is no official timeline for when or if Google Pixel devices will be supported, users can remain hopeful that future updates may address this issue.
In the meantime, Google Pixel users can explore alternative mobile payment options that are compatible with their devices. Google Pay, for instance, is a widely used mobile payment system that offers similar functionality to Samsung Pay and is fully supported on Google Pixel smartphones.
In conclusion, while the new Samsung Gear S3 with Samsung Pay offers a range of device compatibility, it currently does not support Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. The reasons for this incompatibility remain unclear, but users can stay informed by following updates from Samsung and exploring other mobile payment options available to them.
Source GSM Arena
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