Apps
Passport setup on Google Wallet soon, app hits record banks support
Google Wallet is rolling out some new features, one of which is the ability to store digital US passports. Announced in September 2024, this new feature is currently in beta testing. It aims to make travel smoother for users at certain TSA checkpoints.
Users can easily add passports to the Google Wallet by following a few easy steps. Just go to the “Add to Wallet” menu and check the option for “U.S. Passport (beta)” alongside other IDs like driver’s licenses.
Now, users take a photo of their passport’s information page and scan a security chip located on the back cover. To do this, they need to lay the passport flat, open the back cover, and move their phone around the chip area. Additionally, users must record a short video of their face for Google to verify their identity.
This passport feature is available mainly for domestic flights in the U.S. and devices that run Android 9 or higher. It uses NFC technology to securely share information.
In addition to the passport feature, Google Wallet is also expanding its support for banks. This expansion lets more people use Google Wallet for their financial needs. This month, it has added 17 new banks and a prepaid gift card option. These 17 banks are:
- American Bank & Trust (SD)
- Bank Of the Plains (KS)
- Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri (MO)
- First National Bank of Proctor (MN)
- First State Bank of Burnet (TX)
- Mastercard eGIFT
- MyGeorgia Credit Union (GA)
- Nova Bank (AL)
- On Me
- Palmetto State Bank (SC)
- Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank (IL)
- Police Federal Credit Union (MD)
- Riley State Bank of Riley, KS
- Slope – IKEA
- TIB, National Association (TX)
- Travis Credit Union (CA)
- United Minnesota Bank (MN)
Users can check the full list of supported banks on the updated support page if they want to see if their bank is supported by the Google Wallet app.
Samsung phones getting new Google Wallet Tile in One UI Quick Settings
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update for beta testers with version 2.24.24.16, which brings new shortcuts to the chat interface. This update introduces a gallery shortcut to make it easier to share photos and videos from your phone directly within chats.
WhatsApp recently replaced the camera shortcut in the chat bar with a gallery button for beta users. While this change allowed users to quickly share stored photos and videos, many users missed the camera shortcut, which gave them fast access to the camera for capturing moments on the spot.
Based on feedback, WhatsApp has decided to bring back both shortcuts in the chat bar. Now, users will see two buttons in the chat interface – one for quickly taking a photo or video using the camera and another for browsing and sharing photos or videos from their gallery.
These two shortcuts for the chat interface of WhatsApp make it quicker to share photos or capture new ones, without having to navigate through extra menus.
This feature is still in beta, so it’s available to only some testers right now. The feature will gradually be rolled out to more users in the coming weeks
WhatsApp is collecting feedback to see if the new dual shortcut setup improves the experience or if it feels cluttered. If you are testing beta on WhatsApp, install the latest version now.
Android Auto 13.3 stable update is now rolling for users via the Google Play Store. It brings some exciting new features that make your driving experience better. Recently, this update has been available for beta users and now all Android users can enjoy it.
The update adds HD radio stations, which improves the Car Radio feature, giving you more options to listen to. You’ll now find a wide variety of radio channels, including genres like classic rock, country, hip-hop, jazz, and more.
Moreover, Android Auto also now supports new radio frequencies, including FM, HD, and DAB, along with a new HD radio logo for a fresh look.
The stable 13.3 update added a most useful feature named Autofill. This feature makes it easier to log into apps like Spotify or fill in personal details (like your name, address, or passwords) across different apps.
Instead of manually typing everything, Android Auto will automatically fill in these details for you to save time and reduce mistakes. This feature uses the information saved in your Google account to make the process smoother.
Furthermore, the update also improves support for electric vehicles (EVs). With the latest update, Android Auto 13.3 now works with new EV charging connectors like Tesla’s NACS, Type, and 6 LECCS for light electric vehicles, such as scooters. This makes it easier for EV drivers to find and use charging stations.
If you use the Android Auto app, install the update now to enjoy new features and improvements. You can download the update from the Google Play Store.
Samsung has shared an update about the removal of the GIF capture feature in the One Hand Operation+ app following the One UI 6.1.1 update. Several users enjoyed the GIF capture feature as it allowed them to capture GIFs easily using gestures.
However, Samsung removed the GIF capture feature with the One UI 6.1.1 update and integrated it into Samsung’s new AI Select function. Now, a Samsung community moderator mentioned that the company could provide a GIF capture feature again.
Samsung’s One Hand Operation+ app lets users perform various tasks on their Galaxy phone with simple hand gestures. This app connects different phone functions to make it easier to control your device with just one hand. However, when a feature like GIF capture is removed, it also means the app can no longer provide it through gestures.
The moderator explained that since the GIF capture feature has been moved to the AI Select function, the app no longer has access to it. He also mentioned that the app cannot bring the feature back on its own without it being available in the phone’s terminal first.
Although the GIF capture feature is not available right now, Samsung has stated that it might return in the future if the functionality is reinstated in the terminal’s system.
Samsung apologized for any inconvenience caused by this change and promised to continue working on improving the app and the overall user experience with future updates. Users are advised to stay tuned for any updates or changes to the app’s features.
Samsung considers reintroducing Smart Select feature for One Hand Operation+