Google has introduced its Wallet app for Android users in India, offering a platform to store various digital items such as tickets, rewards cards, and even digital car keys. Ram Papatla, the GM & India Engineering Lead for Android at Google, emphasized the seamless transition from physical to digital formats during the launch event in New Delhi. Initially partnering with 20 companies like PVR Inox, MakeMyTrip, and Shoppers Stop, Google plans to expand its network of partners in the future.
GLOGoogle has introduced its Wallet app for Android users in India, offering a platform to store various digital items such as tickets, rewards cards, and even digital car keys. Ram Papatla, the GM & India Engineering Lead for Android at Google, emphasized the seamless transition from physical to digital formats during the launch event in New Delhi. Initially partnering with 20 companies like PVR Inox, MakeMyTrip, and Shoppers Stop, Google plans to expand its network of partners in the future.
In India, Google Wallet will primarily focus on non-payment uses, while Google Pay will continue to serve as the primary digital wallet and payment platform. Papatla assured users that Google Pay will remain active and cater to payment needs in the country. The Wallet app is available for download on Android devices, with no plans for an iPhone release.
Google Wallet has evolved significantly since its inception in 2011, originally designed for mobile payments on select Android devices. It underwent transformations, merging with Android Pay in 2018 to create Google Pay, offering a unified solution for in-store and online payments. The renewed focus on the Wallet app aims to address daily user needs like accessing boarding passes and tickets conveniently, leveraging features like automatic ticket integration via Gmail confirmation emails.
Google is prioritizing the Indian market, evident from the inclusion of Google Wallet on Pixel devices sold in the country and plans to provide quick access through lock screen shortcuts. Despite its significance in India, Google currently has no intentions to monetize the Wallet app.
Source: GLO
