If there is one Google app Google Wallet, the wallet app that can be used to pay and much more, is one that promises a lot but never really takes hold. Until October of last year, it didn’t allow you to add other types of cards and passes by taking a photo of them; this year it became smarter, being able to get them from Gmail or from PKPASS files.
Considering that the requirements for using Google Wallet are still light, it is not surprising that the Mountain View firm is concerned about expanding the capabilities of this app. The goal, as it could not be otherwise, is for us to leave our wallet at home and for this purpose it has started to Update Wallet with an improved feature.
Google Wallet faces its ultimate opportunity
With Google Wallet’s latest addition, it’s possible to generate pass cards for almost anything you can get your hands on – just a photo, that’s all you need to do. However, the search engine giant is looking to expand this functionality… with a dose of artificial intelligence.
As we read on 9to5Google, Google Wallet is about to receive its most anticipated feature: Get digital cards for everything you carry in your wallet. To do this, it will improve the option we mentioned, which arrived in the last quarter of 2023.
This will replace the current “Photo” and will be called “Everything else.” According to Google itself, we will be able to “scan a photo of any pass, such as an event ticket, gym membership, insurance card, and more.” In fact, it leverages AI to “determine what type of pass is being added and suggest the contents of the pass.”
For example, if we add sensitive information such as health data or personal identification, will be classified as privateavoiding synchronization with other devices. However, authentication will be required before opening each pass, as is the case until now. What we can change is the private classification of each pass or card; it is possible to remove that label.
The method will continue as is, that is, using the mobile phone camera we will take a photo of the card or pass. Google will then extract the information and will suggest that we edit certain fields. These are the types of passes that will be accepted:
- Visiting card
- Car Insurance
- Driver license
- Events and tickets
- Health insurance
- Identity card
- Library card
- Loyalty card
- Passport
- Residence permit
- Student ID
- Tax ID Card
- License Plates
- Voter ID card
Once we have added it, we can go back to see the original photos which served as identification. The function is starting to be implemented for some users since the beginning of August. On the support website, Google confirms that for now, it is only for the US. The rest of us must continue waiting.
Via | 9to5Google
Cover image | Microsoft Designer with editing