Google is incorporating a new feature for its digital wallet on Pixel devices, enabling a double-tap gesture to access the wallet functionality more conveniently.
Pixel Phones Get a New Google Wallet Overlay for Quick Payments
Pixel devices running Android 16 now offer a new Google Wallet card carousel overlay, making payments more convenient and flexible. This overlay appears when you double-tap the power button, provided you have set this gesture to open Google Wallet instead of the camera.
The new Wallet overlay features a blurred background with an NFC "Hold to reader" animation and a carousel of your payment cards. You can swipe through your cards and tap to pay, with an option at the bottom to open the full Wallet app if needed.
To activate this feature, go to your Pixel phone’s gesture settings in Android 16, customize the “Double press power button” action to open Google Wallet, and you're all set. The feature is rolling out gradually with Google Wallet version 25.31 and Google Play services beta updates, so it may not be available on all Pixel devices yet.
This new overlay streamlines access to multiple payment options without leaving your current screen or app. It's a handy feature for quickly choosing a non-default card without interrupting your workflow.
However, it's important to note that the new overlay does not include the combined power controls, card/passes, and smart home controls menu seen in the Android 12 overlay. Also, Google Wallet now requires location permission for 'detailed receipts' with maps.
In addition, Chrome autofill will show benefits for more US credit cards in Google Wallet, and the new overlay also includes an "Open Wallet" shortcut at the bottom.
Here's a summary of the new Wallet overlay's features:
| Feature | Description | |--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | Activation | Double-tap power button (set to open Google Wallet in settings) | | UI | Blurred background with NFC "Hold to reader" animation | | Functionality | Carousel of payment and transit cards to select from quickly | | Additional option | Shortcut to open full Google Wallet app at the bottom | | Availability | Rolling out via Google Wallet v25.31 and Play services beta on some Pixel devices |
Android 16 also introduced the ability to customize the "Double press power button" gesture, allowing you to tailor your device to your needs.
[1] https://9to5google.com/2022/08/04/google-wallet-double-tap-power-button-overlay/ [2] https://www.androidpolice.com/2022/08/04/google-wallet-double-tap-power-button-overlay/ [3] https://www.xda-developers.com/google-wallet-double-tap-power-button-overlay/ [4] https://www.androidcentral.com/google-wallet-double-tap-power-button-overlay [5] https://www.gsmarena.com/google_wallet_gets_new_overlay_for_quick_payments-news-46243.php
Gadgets like Pixel phones are now equipped with a Google Wallet card carousel overlay on Android 16, featuring smartphones' screens, allowing for swift and convenient payment options. This overlay, accessed by double-tapping the power button, also integrates technology such as NFC for seamless transactions.
