Google has announced that it will launch a new device called SoundPod for merchants in India who use Google Pay. SoundPod is a small device that can generate sound-based payments using ultrasonic waves. It also has an LCD screen that can display QR codes, transaction details, and other information. SoundPod aims to make digital payments more accessible, convenient, and secure for merchants and customers in India.
What is Google Pay’s SoundPod?
SoundPod is a device that can be connected to a merchant’s smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. It can generate sound waves that can be detected by the customer’s phone to initiate a payment. The customer can use any app that supports sound-based payments, such as Google Pay, PhonePe, or BHIM. The sound waves are encrypted and can work even in noisy environments or without internet connectivity.
SoundPod also has an LCD screen that can show QR codes for customers who prefer to scan and pay. The screen can also display the transaction amount, status, and confirmation. Additionally, the screen can show other information such as offers, rewards, and tips for the merchant.
How Will SoundPod Benefit Merchants in India?
SoundPod will offer several benefits for merchants in India who use Google Pay, such as:
- Increased efficiency and customer engagement: SoundPod will reduce the time and hassle involved in accepting digital payments. Merchants can simply tap a button on the device to generate a sound or a QR code, and customers can pay with their preferred app. This will make the payment process faster, smoother, and more convenient for both parties. SoundPod will also enable merchants to interact with customers more easily, by showing them personalized offers, rewards, and feedback on the screen.
- Cost-effective solution: SoundPod will be affordable and accessible for merchants of all sizes and sectors. Google will offer the device for free to eligible merchants who sign up for Google Pay. The device will also have a long battery life and low maintenance costs. SoundPod will help merchants save money on paper receipts, POS machines, and other payment equipment.
- Easy setup and tracking: SoundPod will be easy to set up and use for merchants. They can simply pair the device with their smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and start accepting payments. SoundPod will also integrate with Google Pay’s merchant app, which will help merchants track their transactions, manage their inventory, and access business insights.
What Led to the Rollout of SoundPod?
Google decided to roll out SoundPod in India after conducting a successful year-long pilot with over 10 million merchants across 19,000 pin codes. The pilot showed that SoundPod increased the adoption and usage of digital payments among merchants and customers. It also improved customer satisfaction and loyalty for merchants who used SoundPod.
Another factor that influenced Google’s decision was the recent crisis faced by Paytm, one of the leading digital payment platforms in India. Paytm faced a backlash from merchants and customers after it introduced a mandatory fee for using its QR code service. Many merchants and customers switched to other platforms, such as Google Pay, that offered free and convenient payment options. Google saw this as an opportunity to capture a larger share of the digital payment market in India and decided to launch SoundPod as a competitive advantage.
Google plans to distribute SoundPod to over 10 million merchants in India by the end of 2024. It hopes that SoundPod will help merchants grow their businesses, attract more customers, and embrace the digital economy.
