Google Android update: Google is now making it possible to store digital versions of either COVID-19 test results or vaccination cards on Android devices.
The company announced a new Android update on Wednesday that features the Passes API, which will give developers at healthcare organizations, government agencies, and other organizations authorized by public health authorities the ability to create digital versions of tests and vaccination cards that can then be stored directly on the device.
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The Passes API is commonly used to store things like boarding passes, rewards cards, gift cards, tickets, and more in your Google Pay. However, the Google Pay app won't be necessary in this case.
Instead, users without the Google Pay app will have the option to save the digital version of the COVID card directly to their device, which will be accessible from a shortcut on the home screen. Because Google does not keep a copy of the card, anyone who needs to save the COVID card on multiple devices will need to download it separately on each, from their healthcare provider or another organization's app.
The cards themselves feature the healthcare provider's logo and brand name at the top, followed by the person's name, date of birth and other relevant information, such as the vaccine manufacturer or the date of vaccination or test. According to a support document, healthcare providers or organizations will be able to notify users of the ability to download their card via email, text message or through the website or mobile.
Google has published an example of the COVID-19 Vaccination Card from Healthvana, a company serving the LA area, but did not provide any other information about which healthcare providers are interested in or plan to adopt the new technology.
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Google's Passes API update doesn't mean Android users can immediately create digital versions of COVID vaccination cards.
Instead, the Google Android update is about enabling developers to start building tools to export the data they have on their own systems about COVID tests and vaccinations of individuals to a local digital card on Android devices. The extent to which these digital cards will be widely available to end users will depend on developer adoption.
For this feature to work, the Android device must be running Android 5 or later and must be certified by Play Protect, which is a licensing program that ensures the device is running real Google apps. Users should also set a lock screen on their device for additional security.
Google says the Android update will start rolling out in the US, followed by other countries.
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The US is lagging behind other countries in this area. The EU COVID certificate, which shows vaccination status, test results or recovery from COVID-19, has already been released. The certificate (EUDCC) will be recognized by all EU members and will help with cross-border travel.
Israel launched a vaccine passport earlier this year that allows vaccinated people to enter places that require vaccination. Japan aims to have vaccination passports ready by the end of July for international travel.
In the US, only a few states have active vaccine certification applications. Many others have either banned vaccine passports altogether or are considering doing so.
