Who Needs a Wallet? Google Brings ID and More to Apps

Google Wallet for Android just got a lot more versatile with the introduction of a new feature called “Everything Else.”

The latest update, now available for users in the US, lets you: create digital versions of various passesfrom identity cards and insurance documents to library memberships and even concert tickets.

Google Wallet has long been a useful tool for making secure digital payments, but with this new feature, it’s evolving into a more complete digital storage solution.Everything else“This feature greatly enhances the app’s functionality, allowing users to digitize various types of physical cards and documentsThe app is no longer limited to payment methods, it can now also safely store your ID card, library card, and even student ID.

Adding a pass is easy. Users simply take a photo of the physical pass, and Google Wallet automatically extracts the relevant information. Once the information is captured, users can edit common fields such as name or membership number, and even add additional details tailored to their needs. The app also provides an option divide the pass into several typesincluding:

• Business cards
• Car insurance
• Driving license
• Events and tickets
• Health insurance
• Identity cards
• Library cards
• Loyalty cards
• Passports
• Residence permits
• Student IDs
• Tax ID cards
• Vehicle registrations
• Voter ID cards

There is even an “Other” category for documents that do not fit into any of the predefined categories, providing additional flexibility.

Given the sensitive nature of some of these documents, Google has added additional privacy protection measures. Documents classified as sensitive, such as health or government IDs, are marked as private and are not synced across devices, keeping your personal information safe. Access to these passes requires authenticationadding an extra layer of security.

Currently, “Everything Else” feature fully rolled out only in the USand there’s no official word on when it’ll be available in other countries. However, given Google’s history of expanding its services globally, it’s likely only a matter of time before users in other regions can take advantage of the feature as well.