Google digging deeper into mobile payments

Google Inc. is hoping to patent a text-based system for mobile payments.
The Internet giant filed an application with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office to patent “a computer-implemented method of effectuating a payment” that is initiated when a mobile shopper sends a text message to a computer. Google would perform the requested transaction, debiting the user’s account and crediting the appropriate vendor.
The patent application was filed in February 2006, but published only a few days ago. Google is working to patent a variety of mobile applications and technologies, including mapping and voice-driven search offerings, and is widely rumored to be readying an Internet-friendly, Google-branded handset.