Google

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

Published

4 months ago

August 23, 2024

Tom Carter

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.

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Related Topics:Google Google Wallet News

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Google

Google Updates: Gemini, Docs, and Messages

Published

17 hours ago

December 10, 2024

Tom Carter

Gemini Gets a Mini Makeover:

The website’s text field now looks like the mobile app.
The Android app now shows your Gemini model type (like “1.5 Pro”).

40 New Templates for Google Docs:

Google Docs has added new, modern templates for various uses like business proposals or meeting notes.
These templates are designed to save you time by providing a starting point for your document.
You can find them by going to File > New > From template gallery.

Customize Your Google Messages Profile:

Google Messages now lets you easily edit your profile information, including name and picture.
This helps people you message recognize you better.

More to Come:

Google says to expect even more new Docs templates in the future.
Google Messages’ profile feature is rolling out to everyone soon.

Android

Android 15 QPR1 Bug: Mixed-up icons

Published

4 days ago

December 7, 2024

Tom Carter

Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.

For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.

This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.

While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.

In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.

Google

Google’s Gemini extensions and Pixel Weather app updates

Published

5 days ago

December 6, 2024

Tom Carter

Google is rolling out new features for its AI-powered Gemini app and Pixel Weather app, aiming to improve user experience and functionality. Here’s what’s new and what’s coming:

Gemini Extensions: More Options and User Input

Google has expanded the availability of Gemini Extensions, tools that connect Gemini with other apps and services to perform tasks. These Extensions enhance Gemini’s capabilities as a phone assistant, allowing it to control devices without relying on Google Assistant.

Currently, Gemini supports these first-party Extensions:

Google Flights, Google Home (Public Preview), Google Hotels, Google Maps
Google Workspace apps (like Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Drive, Keep, and Tasks)
Messages, Phone, Utilities, YouTube, and YouTube Music

Third-party integrations include Spotify and WhatsApp, making a total of 13 Extensions for Android users (compared to 7 on iPhone and the web).

On X (formerly Twitter), Gemini’s team asked users for suggestions: “Is there something you wish Gemini could do with other apps or services?” This move highlights Google’s interest in tailoring Extensions to user needs.

Gemini Live could benefit from these additions by enabling conversations around personalized information and hands-free interactions, such as through Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Pixel Weather App: Easier Unit Adjustments Coming Soon

The standalone Pixel Weather app introduced a simple design and AI-generated summaries, but changing measurement units has been a hassle. Currently, adjusting wind speed, pressure, or visibility units requires changing your system language—an inconvenient solution.

Recent updates hint at a fix. A new Weather Units page is in development, spotted in app version 1.0.20241108.700112341.release. This feature will likely let users customize units for:

Temperature (Celsius/Fahrenheit)
Wind speed (km/h or mph)
Pressure and visibility

This update will simplify measurement adjustments, aligning the app with other weather apps that offer flexible unit settings.

Why These Changes Matter

Gemini Extensions: Expanding compatibility ensures Gemini becomes more versatile, handling tasks seamlessly across apps.
Pixel Weather App: The ability to change units without affecting the system language will enhance usability, especially for users who stick with specific regional settings for features like Gboard’s Smart Compose.

With these updates, Google continues to refine its AI tools, focusing on user feedback and practical solutions. Stay tuned for more enhancements in the coming weeks.