Google Wallet now supports California state ID: here’s what you need to know

Top 3 Key Points:
- California State ID Support: Google Wallet now supports California’s digital IDs, joining Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland.
- Easy Setup Process: Add your ID by scanning it, taking a selfie, and verifying your identity through the DMV.
- Limited Availability: The program is capped at 1.5 million users, so early enrollment is recommended.
Google Wallet has recently expanded its support for state IDs, adding California to its list. This makes California the fifth state to be included, alongside Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. Initially, California offered its residents a standalone DMV Wallet app without Google Wallet integration, but now the state has joined the Google Wallet ecosystem.
To add your California ID to Google Wallet, open the app, tap the “Add to Wallet” button, and select “ID card.” California will now appear as an option. The ID card design features “California mDL” followed by your first name, with “USA” in the top-right corner and the DMV logo at the bottom-left. The card’s background includes a scenic image of poppies with a road stretching across a vast field.
Setting up your digital ID is straightforward. You’ll need to take photos of the front and back of your physical ID, along with a short video (selfie) for facial verification. This information is sent to the California DMV for review. Within a few minutes, you’ll receive a notification that your digital ID is ready for use, along with an email confirmation from the DMV.
When using your digital ID, you control what information is shared. Start by tapping the reader or scanning your QR code—your details aren’t shared immediately. You can then review and select which information you’d like to share. There’s no need to hand over your phone; your ID is securely shared via Bluetooth. You’ll be prompted to verify your identity using facial recognition, fingerprint, password, or PIN for added security.
The digital ID in Google Wallet appears as “Driver’s License | California” in your card carousel. It is prominently placed at the top of your main Google Wallet list and cannot be moved below other passes. Your ID can be read by NFC or by scanning its QR code and is currently accepted by the TSA at certain terminals in airports such as LAX, SFO, and SJC. However, it’s important to note that you still need to carry your physical ID card, as the digital version does not replace the physical one.
California’s mobile driver’s license and state ID program is currently a pilot with a limit of 1.5 million participants. So, if you’re interested in using this feature, it’s a good idea to add your ID sooner rather than later.
To use the digital ID, your phone must be running Android 8 or higher, have a screen lock enabled, and have Bluetooth and Nearby devices turned on. You can delete the state ID from Google Wallet at any time through your Google account settings. The digital ID is treated as a private pass, meaning it doesn’t sync to the cloud and is only available on one device.
To remove the ID, go to Personal Info in your Google account, scroll to “Digital ID,” select Manage Digital ID, and delete the ID from your device and account.
Android
Android 16 adds small but useful changes to status bar and terminal features

Google is working on Android 16, and while big changes are still under wraps, some small updates have already been noticed. These tweaks may not seem major, but they can improve how users interact with their devices.
One of the changes spotted in the Android 16 Developer Preview is the return of the status bar clock to the left side of the screen. This layout used to be common before Android 9, but later Android versions placed the clock on the right. Now, with the new preview, the clock moves back to the left, which could make room for more icons and make the status bar easier to read—especially on phones with notches or punch-hole cameras. However, this change might not be final, as Android is still being tested.
Another interesting update is in the Android terminal tool. A new feature allows users to resize disk partitions without needing a full system reboot. This could be very helpful for developers and advanced users who need to change storage settings quickly. Instead of restarting the device, the system now supports live resizing in many cases, which saves time and effort.
Overall, Android 16 is shaping up with some practical improvements that focus on convenience and better user experience, even in the smaller details.
YouTube Music adds new feature to keep song volume steady

YouTube Music is rolling out a new feature called “Stable volume” to make your listening experience better. This option helps keep the sound level the same across all songs, so you won’t have to turn the volume up or down when switching tracks.
Sometimes, songs are louder or softer depending on how they were made. This new feature fixes that by adjusting each track so that all music plays at a similar volume. It’s especially useful when you’re using headphones or listening in the car.
You can find this option in the YouTube Music app by going to Settings > Playback & restrictions, where you’ll see a switch for “Stable volume.” It works for both free and Premium users, and it’s now appearing on Android devices (version 7.07 or later). iOS support may come soon, but it’s not available yet.
This is a welcome update, as many streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music already have similar volume balancing tools. It helps make playlists and albums sound smoother and more enjoyable without constant volume changes.
So far, the feature is being released in stages, so you might not see it right away, but it should show up soon for everyone.
Android
Android 16 beta adds battery health info, Pixel Fold gets better at detecting opens and closes

Google has released the Android 16 Beta 1 update for Pixel phones, and it brings some helpful new features. One of the key additions is battery health information, which is now available in the settings. Pixel users can now see the battery’s manufacturing date, charge cycles, and overall health score. This can help people understand how well their battery is holding up over time. While this feature is currently hidden under developer options, it might be fully added in a future update.
At the same time, Google is also working to improve the Pixel Fold. With Android 16 Beta 1, there’s a new system that better detects when the phone is opened or closed. This new method uses the hinge angle to more accurately understand the device’s position. Unlike older systems that could be affected by software bugs or slow response times, this new one seems to be more reliable and faster.
These changes are important for people who use foldable phones like the Pixel Fold, as better hinge detection can lead to smoother app transitions and fewer bugs. And for all Pixel users, having detailed battery info can help with managing phone performance and deciding when it’s time for a battery replacement.
Overall, Android 16 Beta 1 focuses on giving users more control and smoother experiences, especially for those with foldables.
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