Google Wallet, the tech company’s digital wallet, made its Malaysian debut just last year, giving Android users access to its many convenient features that rival the Apple Wallet. Now, it has announced an extension to the feature focusing making digital passes easier to add into the wallet, ranging from tickets and health insurance, as well as better integration with the Messages app.
First off, Google Wallet is making it more seamless for users to save their passes into a digital version on their phone. From just a picture of it, the app lets you save any ticket or pass as long as it contains a QR code or barcode. This includes gym passes, transit tickets, parking passes, or even e-commerce return codes.
Moreover, Google Wallet will now let you add digital travel passes directly from the Messages app, allowing users to complete the check-in process just from a message as long as they enable the RCS feature. Of course, it’s still a new feature so the initial rollout will only have support from Vietnam Airlines and Spain’s Renfe train operator.
Restaurants will also be able to use the feature to send reservation details to their customers that can be saved to Google Wallet. As of now, its unclear which reservation systems in Malaysia will be compatible with the Messages-Wallet integration or when we’ll be able to use it here.
Last but not least, Google is introducing private passes for more secure digital passes that may contain sensitive personal information. Humana is currently developing a digital health insurance card for this while UK users will be able to save National Insurance Number to Wallet from the HMRC app.
Unlike regular passes like event and transport tickets, private passes will include a label as well as requiring users to verify themselves to add, view, or use them in the app. Verification can be done through fingerprints, PIN, and other methods.
(Source: Google Press Release)
