Wear OS could soon incorporate a feature from the Apple Watch that makes daily scrolling easier.
A significant improvement in Wear OS.
A recent leak suggests that Google is working on a significant update for Wear OS that would facilitate scanning transit passes, eliminating the need to open the Wallet app. This new development bears similarities to Apple’s Express Transit feature.
Currently, Wear OS smartwatch users wishing to use their transit passes must access the Wallet app, search for the pass, and scan it before boarding their mode of transportation. However, code found in the beta version 25.02.32 of Google Play services indicates that this situation could change. References such as "When your watch is unlocked, you can tap to travel without opening Wallet" were discovered, suggesting that users will be able to simply scan their pass without needing to go through the app.
The new functionality being developed resembles Apple’s Express Transit feature, launched in 2019, which allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to pay for transit without having to authenticate their identity using Face ID or Touch ID, even when the device has low battery.
Currently, Wear OS users have the option to store and use their transit passes from the watch, but they need to open the Wallet app first. While Google Wallet allows for the use of transit passes, it generally requires activating the phone. There is an option to turn off verification in Google Wallet for transit cards, but it is unclear when this new feature will be implemented.
This update, when finally released, will be a welcome change for Wear OS users who utilize transit passes.
