Verizon Wireless is killing yet another feature on Samsung Galaxy S5 besides the Download Booster; it has decided not to include payment authentication on PayPal via Galaxy S5's fingerprint scanner
While most of you must already be sulking over the loss of Download Booster on the Galaxy S5, courtesy of wireless carriers (exclude T-Mobile), Verizon customers are in for another disappointment. The most recent discovery by the folks at Droid-Life reveals Verizon Wireless, America's largest wireless carrier, has decided not to include payment authentication on PayPal via Galaxy S5's fingerprint scanner. This limits Verizon customers to use the new fingerprint technology in the Samsung Galaxy S5 for only two functions, unlocking phone and accessing Samsung account.
The tech news blog found the missing option to allow biometric PayPal support on Verizon Galaxy S5 while setting up the fingerprint sensor. The option was listed among other features for the scanner on AT&T's variant of the Galaxy S5. In order to use PayPal, AT&T Galaxy S5 prompted to install an additional app called NNL Fingerprint Passport. But according to Droid-Life, downloading the NNL Fingerprint Passport on a Verizon Galaxy S5 returned with an error, "This application will not work on your device."
As for other carriers, the feature appears on board. Verizon did not explain why it blocked support for PayPal neither did it comment on the removal of Download Booster.
Samsung unveiled the company's latest flagship Galaxy S5 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, February 24. The tech giant started selling the handset in the U.S. and 124 other countries across the globe including Europe, Middle East and most Asian markets, starting Friday. The Galaxy S5 is available for purchase from major carriers in the U.S. for $599.99 without contract. Carriers also offer the handset at subsidized rates.
Verizon offers the Galaxy S5 for $250 with a two-year contract with a $50 mail-in rebate. The carrier is also running a special "Buy One, Get One Free" offer, which adds a second Galaxy S5, Samsung ATIV SE or HTC One M8 for $0 down.
The loss of fingerprint authentication for PayPal payments can be disheartening, but Verizon customers can use Tap & Pay in Google Wallet for mobile payments.
