Google has started rolling out Google Wallet to users. While the new app is set to replace Google Pay in many countries, it will live alongside the latter in the US, as per ARS Technica.
Google spokesperson Chaiti Sen said that Google has "started rolling out the Wallet to Android users in 39 countries." She added that it will be available "to all users over the next few days."
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Users from US, Singapore Can Use Both Google Wallet and Pay
Google Wallet was first introduced in the company's 2022 I/O event. It was announced as an app that will let you manage all your digital cards.
However, the Wallet's function is not limited to payment such as debit and credit cards. The app will also cover digital representations of your identification, vaccination status, tickets, keys, and more as well, according to The Verge.
In most countries where the app was rolling out, Wallet will be a replacement to the current Google Pay app. However, the company claims that if you're from the US or Singapore, you would be able to use both Google Pay and Wallet. Pay will remain a means to send money to friends.
Before Google Wallet became the app that it is today, it underwent a number of changes. It has been around from 2011 to 2015. It was initially an NFC payment app.
Eventually, the app was updated to include other payment features, including peer-to-peer money transfers. It later became Android Pay.
Later on, in 2018, Wallet was combined with Android Pay, thus creating Google Pay. Now, in 2022, it is back to being Wallet.
This change is a big one for Google's payment apps but hopefully managing your digital cards and paying using your Android phone will be easier.
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What's New with Google Wallet
Google Wallet is easily recognizable as it features dynamic color theme. You will easily notice the tap-to-pay cards that appear in a carousel at the top.
In the feed below, you will find the various passes, while you can "Add to Wallet" from the bottom-right "floating action button," as per 9to5Google.
Once you're done updating, you'll see a Quick Settings tile that now is now called Wallet. It comes with a new icon.
You can manage your "Wallet settings" by tapping your profile image links to "Payments profile, Add passes from Gmail, Review purchases, Updates from your passes, and marketing emails."
Google claims that in the future, you will be able to keep your mobile driver's licenses and state IDs, even hotel keys and office badges in your Google Wallet.
Mobile driver's license depends on state in the US. You can expect it to be available as early as "later this year," since accordingly, Android is already supporting the technology that would be used for the said feature.
You will find Google Wallet available as an existing update to the old Google Pay. While you may not find version 2.150.460235810 in the Play Store, you may already sideload it via APK Mirror.
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