We reported earlier that following Google’s decision to introduce gift cards, which could be redeemed for apps, books, and all other digital stuff sold through the Play Store, few of these have been spotted in retail stores and are fully functional. A new report states that the gift cards are set to be officially available from Aug. 26.
The new information regarding the gift cards has arrived from a leaked image directly from a photograph taken of an internal system within Target. The note was sent out ten days ago with the title of "Google Play Cards Unavailable Until 8/26" and also outlines the issue to employees, as well as the relevant action to combat the issue.
According to the information, the gift card displays should have a couple of empty slots until the Google Play store cards arrive. However, it is still not known if Google has pushed back the release date for internal reasons.
Previously, Android Police discovered evidence that Google was looking to introduce these gift cards and also revealed the code. The code included graphics and links for redeeming gift cards and even maintaining a "Google Play balance". Experts see the Google move as a major step, which is aimed at providing feature uniformity with Apple's iTunes Store.
"What I found inarguably points to Google gearing up to finally release redeemable Play Store gift cards - something we've been anxiously waiting for since the Android Market started supporting paid apps. Earlier this year, Google renewed our hopes by adding the ability to have a Play Store balance for those who purchase a Nexus 7. This put us one step closer to gift cards, but there was still nothing concrete. What I have here today is more than concrete - it's solid evidence," the report stated.
