Google (Photo : REUTERS/Dado Ruvic )
Buyers can soon pay all their bills without leaving the Gmail inbox with the inclusion of Pony Express.
The salient feature is, it will convert the bills into an email format and allow accessing them right in Gmail inbox. Similar services are already available on the web, such as the Intuit-owned online app, Check.
Google has already forayed into the online finance domain through 'Google Wallet' that allows sending money online simple. It was integrated with Gmail last year, according to PC Mag.
Meanwhile, Pony Express could fill up the much needed gap left blank by the finance giants and leading banks. And, it could also make queues in many offices an obsolete trend. The feature is partially applicable to the traditional mail boxes we have.
Goggle is already partnering with third parties in the billing process, such as bill-printers and mailers, for the insurance, telecom and energy utility companies, according to Re/code.
Google has, however, not detailed how it would generate revenue by the service, but it is obvious that the indirect benefits could be hefty. It could entitle Google to access a flood of financial information.
Notably, that is a scenario when the service becomes a great success. Many of Google's initiatives, such as Google Talk and Picnik, have met failure in the past.
Google is ambitious; and at the same time, it is offering a genuine and important service. Such a kind of 'Pony Power' could make people's lives easier.
Pony Express could reduce the service providers' costs, including those for papers, posting and printing, by making billing a more sophisticated and transparent process as well. Pony Express could offer great opportunity to Google and rewarding benefits to Google's customers.
However, the service may require the users to disclose important financial and social information. Credit Card numbers, bank account details and social security numbers might be required.
