Google has announced that Google Pay SoundPods will soon be available to small merchants across India, aiming to simplify payment processes for millions of SMBs. This follows a successful limited pilot last year, where participating merchants provided positive feedback on the device.
For those unfamiliar, Google Pay SoundPod is an audio device designed to help merchants track QR code payments through audio alerts upon receiving a payment. Google’s latest initiative is part of its broader mission to enhance financial accessibility in India, building on previous consumer and merchant offerings introduced in October 2023.
The hallmark of UPI’s seamless interoperability has not only transformed possibilities within India but also globally. Google recently revealed a collaboration with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) to enable UPI payments from outside India and promote similar frameworks worldwide.
Despite evolving approaches in other regions, Google assures users and merchants in India that there will be no impact on the functionality of the Google Pay app.
Commenting on the announcement, Ambarish Kenghe, Vice President – Product, Google Pay, said:
To contribute to India’s digital payments narrative is a source of profound pride for us, offering invaluable insights into the dynamics of digital transformation within tech-driven societies. We remain steadfastly committed to this journey for the long haul.