Google Checkout is launched

It isn't GBuy, but something very similar to Microsoft Passport (stuck in a rut) and Yahoo Wallet (I thought it was dead, but no). One log in for many purchases. It's a great idea, but if the other two companies couldn't get widestream acceptance, can Google?

Google have upped the ante:

- free transaction processing for Adwords customers ($1 spend gets $10 of transactions for free)

- lots and lots of merchants signed up at launch time

- many $10 off $20+ purchases coupon codes offered

- credit card promotion from Citi

- a Google Checkout symbol to show in qualifying Adwords ads - this will generate demand and advantages - all Adwords merchants will want to join up

All here