In the summer of last year, Google transformed its Google Pay payment system into a much more powerful and versatile application, Google Wallet, which would not only pay with credit or debit cards, but also include supermarket cards, plane tickets, etc. etc
This app comes installed by default on Android phones with Google services, which in Europe are the vast majority, with the exception of Huawei models. This is a service available to most users, which can also be used from a watch with Wear OS.
With the latest app update it will be possible to scan new cards from images, include barcodes or QR codes and be able to do without physical cards. Along with this function, others will arrive, such as fingerprint security.
all kinds of cards
Google’s intention is to turn Google Wallet into our digital wallet, hence the name change from Google Pay. They no longer only focus on payment, debit or credit cards, but on other types of cards. The first news is that cards can be scanned without the camera.
Until now it was possible to scan new cards using the camera, including the barcode or QR code they have, allowing the creation of a digital replica to be used in the same conditions than physical cards. From now on can be scanned from an image that is on the smartphone, because a photo was taken or received via an application, such as WhatsApp. One possible use case is to have someone send a picture of a supermarket membership card and then be able to save it directly to the Google Wallet app on your phone to use at checkout.
Another new feature is the possibility of Host access cards to medical contracts, private insurance and other personal matters. This type of cards will require authentication of the user that can be used, using the fingerprint, pattern, PIN or identification method that has been activated in the phone.
Functions have also been included for keep identity documents of some states in the United States. This function is not yet available in Europe, but with the arrival of DNI 4.0 it could be implemented in the near future.
Thanks to the RCS, Google has succeeded in making the Messages app can also export these types of items to Google Wallet, by simply running the verification process. One of the companies selected for this position is Renfe, in Europe, which will allow you to store tickets for some of your train journeys. This function will also be enabled for restaurants, which will send their reservation data to their customers via Messages.
Finally, Google has introduced the possibility of store work passes that some companies use to access their facilities. In this way, the mobile will become the necessary pass, without having to carry the physical cards that are often worn around the neck for convenience.
All of these changes will start happening in the next few weeks, in some countries. Each function will be applied to different companies, such as Renfe in Europe, and some large companies in the UK or Germany. Gradually, they will expand to more markets and more companies.
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