I was confused about that "beta" part, because I didn't know that Google Checkout Subscriptions was still in beta. Now it all comes together.

It looks like Google is exercising in Doublespeak.
I received email from Google Checkout today.
After skimming headers I could not understand what they wanted to say.

How do you like email's subject: "An update to Google Checkout"

"An update"!

Thanks to Hacker News it's getting all clear now.

Anyway here's full email:

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[Google Wallet]

Safe & Secure

An update to Google Checkout

Hello,

A key focus of Google Wallet is to simplify and improve the commerce experience for merchants and shoppers. Just last week, we announced two enhancements to the Google Wallet platform. The Instant Buy API enables merchants to offer a fast buying experience to Google Wallet shoppers on their Android apps and websites, while processing their own payments. In addition, the new Wallet Objects API enables merchants to engage their customers with loyalty, offers, and more.

As we continue to build the Wallet platform, we must focus our priorities. That is why we are announcing today that we will retire Google Checkout. We remain heavily invested in building a platform that enables merchants to meet the demands of a multi-screen world where consumers shop in-store, at their desk and on their mobile devices.

I sell goods or services using Google Checkout. What does this mean for me?

Merchants can continue to accept payments using Google Checkout until November 20, 2013. We have partnered with a few best-in-class companies to provide you with discounted migration options, so you can continue to run your business with as little disruption as possible.

[Braintree]
provides everything merchants need to accept payments, and powers many of the fastest-growing online and mobile businesses around the world.

[Shopify]
offers a fully hosted online shopping cart so you can quickly and easily accept payments with top payment providers.

[FreshBooks]
is an easy to use online invoicing solution.

If you are a U.S. merchant that does have payment processing, you can apply for Google Wallet Instant Buy, which offers a fast buying experience to Google Wallet shoppers.

I am an Google Play Apps or digital goods merchant. What does this mean for me?

Sellers of digital goods on Google (Google Play, Chrome Web Store, Offers Marketplace and Google Wallet for digital goods) will automatically transition to Google Wallet and will not be impacted. Learn more »

If you are a user of the above products, but use the Google Checkout APIs for notifications or reporting, stay tuned. We will be announcing replacement APIs shortly and recommend you stop using the Checkout APIs as soon as possible.

Learn more about integration types, the best migration solution for your business and next steps on closing your Checkout account.
What this means for shoppers
There are no changes. Shoppers can continue to use Google Wallet to purchase goods wherever they see the "Buy with Google" button.

More details

• We will continue to process Checkout transactions until November 20, 2013. The last date for refunds will be December 20, 2013.

• After November 20, 2013, all order reports and history will be available for download.

• In order to help us disburse all funds to you and file your tax forms properly, please verify that your Tax ID and business name match what is shown on your income tax return.

• You will see slight changes to the Merchant Center as we go through this process with you.

More help

To learn more about this change, we invite you to join us for our live webinar on May 23, 2013, at 10AM PST. As always, feel free to contact us at any time. We look forward to working with you as we explore new payment methods.

Sincerely,
The Google Checkout Team

Google Wallet | Help Center | Call support
© 2013 Google Inc. 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043

You have received this mandatory email service announcement to update you about important changes to your Google Checkout account.

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