What you need to know
A Reddit user has reported that their Pixel 9 Pro Fold, equipped with Android 16, has recently received a new shortcut overlay for Google Wallet. This innovative feature allows users to access Wallet quickly by double-tapping the power button, provided that Wallet is selected as the designated app for this gesture.
Once activated, the overlay presents users with a streamlined interface, enabling them to navigate through their cards effortlessly before utilizing the NFC scanner to complete transactions. This enhancement aims to simplify the payment process, making it more intuitive for users.
The rollout of this new overlay coincides with the customization options introduced in Android 16. According to the original poster, the new “Shortcut Wallet UI” appears seamlessly when the power button is pressed on their device. They noted that their Pixel 9 Pro Fold is running version 25.31.791869140 of the Google Wallet app and beta version 25.31.31 of Play Services. However, another user with a similar device configuration has yet to experience this feature, suggesting that the rollout may still be in its early stages.
A little more for Wallet
Throughout 2024, Google Wallet has been actively enhancing its offerings, particularly by expanding bank support for users eager to make mobile payments. This initiative aligns with the company’s transition away from the Google Pay app, encouraging users to adopt Wallet more prominently.
Prior to the recent updates, the app had maintained a relatively low profile. However, excitement surged as Google Wallet introduced several noteworthy features leading up to the I/O event this year. Among these was the addition of real-time train status alerts for users with train passes, allowing them to monitor their travel with updates such as “On Time” or “Delayed.” Currently, this feature is limited to users in India and Canada, with plans to extend availability to other regions in the future.
Moreover, the latest update has also enabled users to add Loyalty and Gift card passes directly from the app’s homepage on their computers, enhancing the overall user experience and convenience.
