Many big announcements were expected at Google I/O 2022, such as the Pixel 6a and Pixel Watch, and the main news of Android 13. However, no one expected Google to introduce a new version of Walletyour digital wallet.
Google Wallet is not exactly a new development. The app made its debut a few years ago, in 2011, before disappearing as an independent product in 2018, when those from Mountain View decided to unify it with Android Pay and relaunch it under the name Google Pay.
Now, Google intends to bring Wallet back to life as a separate app and seems to have big plans for it. The idea of Californians is not only to use it to virtually manage our credit and debit cards, but also other types of documentation. From IDs and driver’s licenses, to vaccination certificates, boarding passes, event passes and keys to a hotel room or car.
If all of this sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because Apple has already incorporated it into iOS a long time ago. But now Google intends to offer a similar option on Android, partnering with third parties to provide several of the features we mentioned in the previous paragraph. However, one of the most interesting points will be the integration with the other applications developed in Mountain View.
This is how Google explained it on your blog:
Wallet also works with other Google apps; For example, if you take the bus to see a friend and look up directions on Google Maps, your transit card and its balance will appear next to the route. If you’re running low on balance, you can tap and add more. We’ll also give you complete control over how items in your portfolio are used to enable these experiences; for example, the personal information on your COVID vaccine pass is saved on your device and is never shared without your permission, including with Google.
Google is confident that Wallet will be attractive to developers
The Californians explained that developers today can turn virtually any object into a digital pass. That’s also where Google’s renewed interest in Wallet and its corresponding relaunch lies. The company also considers that the features of the application now can be used on all types of smartphoneseven those with more limited technical characteristics.
“Even if a phone can’t use some features of Google Wallet, it’s possible that developers use barcodes or QR codes for their content, which can be accessed by more devices,” they said.
But it is also important to note that Google Wallet will not be limited to Android phones. Also coming to Wear OSoffering initial support to make payments with credit and debit cards with smartwatches that use said operating system.
For now, the release date for the new version of Google’s digital wallet has not been specified. It has only been mentioned that it will be available from “next few weeks”; this will mark his return to life after four years of absence, and more than a decade since his first appearance on his stage.