Enhancements to Google Wallet: A Comprehensive Update
The latest updates to Google Wallet encompass improvements across the Wear OS app, website, and Gmail integration, with a strong focus on enhancing the user experience for passes and train tickets.
Wear OS App Enhancements
To elevate the experience for Wear OS users, several notable features have been introduced:
– Grouped Passes: Passes are now organized together in a list, and each pass can be viewed individually on a carousel when selected.
– Pass Archiving: Users can now archive passes by opening a pass and scrolling down to select “Archive,” placed alongside options like “Delete pass” and “Open on phone.” Archived passes are accessible in the “Archived passes” section at the bottom of the Wear OS app.
– Handling Unscannable Passes: Steps have been implemented to manage passes that are not scannable.
These features are now available to users globally.
Expansion of Wallet Management on Web
Earlier this year, Wallet.google.com was launched to facilitate Google Wallet and Google Pay management via the web. This service, initially available in 15 countries, has now expanded to 43 countries. Google describes this as “phase 1 of our journey of making it available to every GPay and Wallet user, everywhere!”
Broader Availability for Android Users
Google Wallet for Android has also been extended to new regions, including:
– Bermuda
– Cambodia
– El Salvador
– Guernsey
– Kosovo
– Morocco
– Nicaragua
– Panama
– Paraguay
– Tajikistan
Integration with Gmail for Train Tickets
Train tickets received as confirmation emails in Gmail will now automatically appear in Google Wallet. This new feature complements the existing integration of loyalty cards, movie tickets, and boarding passes.
Updates for Developers
Developers have been provided with several new updates, including:
– Closed Loop Transit API: This API now supports conversion from physical to digital cards, enhancing transit options.
– VDV eTicket Services: Google Wallet now adopts the VDV eTicket Services Motics specification for secure mobile ticketing in Germany, enabling transit agencies and developers to utilize Google Wallet specifications to cryptographically protect tickets from duplication, falsification, or fraud.
Future Developments and Additional Features
Further developments in Google Wallet include:
– Digital IDs: Google Wallet will soon support digital IDs with US passports and three additional state IDs.
– State ID Support: Google Wallet is adding support for a fifth state ID.
– ‘Everything Else’ Pass Creator: This feature is being rolled out widely across the US, allowing users to create passes for a variety of purposes.