SWIPE AS YOU GO WITH GOOGLE'S MOBILE WALLET

                        

        Ever wish you can swipe as you go, literally, when it comes to paying?

       Google unveiled such a system Thursday, and this new payment method allows mobile phones to be swiped like a credit card, allowing goods to be paid for on the spot. This means your phone becomes your wallet.

      Google has partnered with Citibank and MasterCard Inc, the world's second largest credit and debit card network, for the project. Over 120,000 shops participate in this service, including giants like Macy's, Walgreens, Subway, Noah's Bagels, American Eagle, Bloomingdale's, Peet's Coffee, Toys 'R' Us and others.

     Sprint is also a partner at the launch, since it sells Google's Nexus S phone, one of the only phones in the U.S. capable of using the new Google Wallet. The Nexus S supports NFC, an open standard backed by many companies including Microsoft, Visa, Sony, Nokia and AT&T. However, Android now supports NFC technology and additional phones are expected to become available soon.

     "We're extending an open invitation to merchants and ecosystem partners like payment networks, carriers and banks to join us in creating tomorrow's best shopping experience," said Stephanie Tilenius, vice president of commerce for Google.