Google Wallet launched in India: Will it replace Google Pay?
What's the story
Google Wallet, a secure digital repository app, has officially launched in India for Android users. The app allows users to swiftly access stored items such as payment cards, passes, tickets, keys or IDs. However, it's not designed for making payments. "Google Pay is not going anywhere. It will remain our primary payments app. Google Wallet is specifically tailored for non-payment use cases," said Ram Paptala, GM and India engineering lead at Google.
App functionality
Google Wallet's non-payment features and collaborations
Google Wallet can be used for various non-payment related tasks such as storing flight boarding passes, event or movie tickets, and even digital car keys. To provide these services, Google has partnered with companies like Air India, MakeMyTrip, Dominos, BMW, and PVR-Inox. For Pixel device users, adding a boarding pass to their Google Wallet is as simple as taking a screenshot and choosing "Add to Google Wallet."
Additional services
Google Wallet's transit ticket storage and QR code features
Google Wallet, in collaboration with Kochi Metro, Hyderabad Metro, VRL Travels, and Abhibus, allows commuters to store their transit tickets. The app also enables users to generate new passes from any image containing a barcode or QR code. This feature can be used for items like airline boarding passes, luggage tags or parking receipts. However, it's important to note that Google Wallet will only operate on Android phones in India and is not compatible with smartwatches or other wearables.