Google is allegedly resurrecting Google Wallet, but not the way we think
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Google Wallet could be making a comeback, but it won’t be the way we think On Twitter, Esper’s Senior Technical Editor, Mishaal Rahman, posted that Google Wallet is coming back from the dead, not as a standalone app, but as a “Wallet” interface within Google Play Services. The goal of the change is to provide a way to access and manage your payment, transit, and other cards that are part of your digital wallet.
But how will you access this Wallet interface? From Rahman’s screenshots, we assume that the new UI will be accessible directly from the Google Pay app. Also, one of the screenshots says, “learn how passes in your Wallet will appear across Google.” This may mean that the cards stored in Wallet could be accessible on other Google services as well.
In 2011, Google created Google Wallet to function as an NFC payment app and as a place to store your digital cards. But in 2018, it combined Google Wallet and Android Pay and created Google Pay. From there on, Google Pay became the app for making NFC payments and the place from which you can manage your digital wallet.
So, if Google Pay already does this, then why bring Wallet back? It seems like a branding choice to make it more obvious which UI does what. Google Pay would be strictly the service we use for payments. And there will be the Google Wallet, where we can manage payment cards, loyalty cards, vouchers, and tickets.
This push to bring back the Wallet branding may also indicate that Google is planning to enhance its functionality — who knows, maybe support for driver’s licenses a-la Apple Wallet?
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary function of the resurrected Google Wallet interface?
What is the primary function of the resurrected Google Wallet interface?
The goal of the new Google Wallet is to provide users with a dedicated interface to access and manage their payment, transit, and other digital cards. It will serve as the storage location for various card types.
Q.How will the new Google Wallet and Google Pay services differ?
How will the new Google Wallet and Google Pay services differ?
Google Pay will continue to be the service used specifically for making payments. Google Wallet, on the other hand, will be the interface where users manage and store their payment cards, loyalty cards, vouchers, and tickets.
Q.When was Google Wallet originally launched and what was its initial purpose?
When was Google Wallet originally launched and what was its initial purpose?
Google Wallet was originally created in 2011 to function both as an NFC payment application and as a secure place for users to store their digital cards. It operated in this capacity until 2018.
Q.What might be the reason for Google to reintroduce the Wallet branding?
What might be the reason for Google to reintroduce the Wallet branding?
The reintroduction of the Wallet branding appears to be a strategic choice to clarify the distinct functions of the services. It aims to make it more obvious which interface is used for managing cards versus making payments.
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