Google Wallet’s new “Everything else” feature is transforming the way users can digitize and store various documents and cards, offering a significant leap in convenience and accessibility for digital pass management.
Innovative AI-powered digitization: Google Wallet has introduced a new feature that allows users to convert virtually any physical document or card into a digital pass:
- The new “Everything else” option utilizes AI technology to analyze and categorize a wide range of documents through the device’s camera.
- Users can easily access this feature by tapping the “Add to Wallet” button and selecting “Everything else” in the Google Wallet app.
- The AI-powered system automatically detects compatible information, such as barcodes, and imports it into the app for user verification and editing.
Comprehensive document support: The feature accommodates a diverse array of document types, catering to various user needs:
- Supported documents in the US include membership cards, insurance cards, vehicle registration, and many others.
- Users have the flexibility to change a pass’s type during creation or use an “other” category for items that don’t fit preset options.
- The data fields available for input adjust based on the selected document category, ensuring relevant information is captured.
User experience and functionality: Google has implemented several features to enhance user experience and maintain transparency:
- A disclaimer on the pass page indicates that it was “created by the device owner,” with more sensitive documents featuring a larger disclaimer for added caution.
- The original photo used to create the pass is attached, providing a visual reference for the digitized document.
- Users can access additional details on a secondary page, including the date added and full text information.
- An option to use the pass “across Google” in services like Maps and Calendar is available, though sharing with other people appears to be restricted.
Rollout and availability: The feature’s deployment seems to be in progress, with some limitations on device compatibility:
- The “Everything else” option is currently visible on Google Pixel devices but not on Samsung devices, suggesting a phased rollout.
- It’s unclear when the feature will be available across all Android devices or in other regions beyond the US.
Potential impact and user adoption: The introduct\ion of this feature could significantly change how people manage their personal documents and cards:
- The ability to digitize a wide range of items could reduce the need to carry physical documents, streamlining daily life for many users.
- As with any new technology, user adoption and trust in the security of digitized sensitive documents will be crucial factors in its success.
Privacy and security considerations: While the feature offers convenience, it also raises important questions about data protection and digital security:
- Google’s implementation of disclaimers and limitations on sharing suggest an awareness of potential privacy concerns.
- Users will need to weigh the convenience of digital storage against the risks of storing sensitive information in a digital format.
- The feature’s integration with other Google services may offer added utility but also increases the importance of robust account security measures.
Google Wallet can now turn basically anything into a digital pass
