During the first years of existence, it is true that the wallet application, Wallet, both for Android and iOS They were very limited in usefulness.. I’m talking about a few years ago when the type of digital assets we could store in these digital wallets were quite low. I remember in those early days I missed them being compatible (in my case iOS at the time) with a number of products and services that I thought would be perfect.

Fortunately (or common sense, really), both Apple and Google were aware of this The huge potential of combining NFC connectivity with a secure digital asset storage systemcould turn the smartphone into a kind of Swiss army knife with some additional functions and above all a much wider coverage of some very common activities, such as going to exhibitions, traveling and even, as recently started to happen in California, for citizens to be able to identify themselves.

The utility of smartphone wallets is more than remarkable at the moment, but also is growing exponentially due to the proliferation of smartwatches compatible with electronic wallets. Now you don’t even need to take your mobile phone out of your bag or pocket, to check in, pay for your purchase with a debit card, to get on board, all you need is a movement of your arm and a twist of your wrist, etc.

As we read on CNBC today, there is an interesting development coming in this regard, and that’s it Apple and Google are already working to boost acceptance of their wallets as keys contactless for hotels. The aim is, of course, to do away with the most current format of plastic cards (although they are also starting to appear in recyclable materials) with RFID technology, which some of us collect after hotel stays.

The most obvious advantage of this system is of course that we don’t need to carry the key cardbecause instead we will be using a smartphone or even better a smart watch. Furthermore, if the system is well implemented, any change in the date and time of departure (extension of stay, late check outetc.) it can be instantly updated without having to go to reception etc. with the key.

The main disadvantage, as always in these cases, that We will be dependent on the operation of the relevant equipmentThis means that if we run out of battery, lose our device, break down or any other event, we will be forced to use the services of the device to gain access to our accommodation. There may be a system in place or in development that can avoid this, and of course any progress in this regard will represent a significant improvement in this regard.