Google Wallet expands to store more cards, Google Home app adds search bar on Android
Key Points:
- Google Wallet adds a bulk card-saving feature for easier card management.
- Google Home app finally introduces a search bar for easier device navigation.
- Both updates are in the early stages, with more features likely to come.
Google is steadily enhancing its Wallet app, aiming to store even more of our physical documents digitally. Over the past year, Google Wallet has evolved, allowing users to save more than just payment cards. It now aims to store a variety of physical cards and documents we typically carry daily, like loyalty cards, customer cards, and more.
A new update to Google Wallet is in development, as uncovered in the latest app version’s source code. Soon, users will be able to save multiple cards at once using a convenient bulk mode. This new feature will allow users to take photos of all their cards and then select them at once to save digitally in Google Wallet. This process removes the need to add each card individually, making it more efficient for users who need to store several cards quickly.
Although this feature is still in its early stages, as noted by Android Authority, it could take some time before it’s fully released to all users.
Meanwhile, the Google Home app is also receiving a much-needed improvement. Despite being an essential tool for managing smart home devices, the app has never had a built-in search function. This has been a surprising gap in its functionality, considering that search bars are standard in most other Google apps.
Fortunately, this is about to change. Android Authority recently discovered a test version of a search bar in the “Devices” section of the Google Home app. Once rolled out, this feature will allow users to easily locate and manage their connected devices, streamlining the experience for smart home users.
Both the Google Wallet and Google Home updates are expected to launch soon, possibly as part of a broader set of new features in upcoming updates.