Google has announced the upcoming availability of the Google Pay SoundPod for small merchants in India. This device, designed to assist merchants in tracking QR code payments, emits audio alerts upon receiving a payment.
Ambarish Kenghe, VP of Product at Google Pay, highlighted that the SoundPod reduces checkout time for merchants. The device, introduced last year in a pilot program, aims to rival similar offerings from competitors like PhonePe and Paytm.
The Google Pay SoundPod features a compact design with a mini display and four buttons for audio control, power, and menu navigation. It can operate on battery power or be plugged into a power source for continuous use.
Small businesses can order the SoundPod for free through the Google Pay Business app.
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However, they will be charged under two plans: a one-time fee of ₹499, plus ₹5 per day deducted from their settlement account for 25 days each month, or a discounted annual fee of ₹1499.
To encourage adoption, Google offers a ₹125 cashback incentive when businesses receive 400 payments in a month via GPay QR codes.
Payments will be settled on a daily basis or upon request, with businesses able to link any bank account of their choice. Additionally, Google has collaborated with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) to enable UPI payments outside India and promote UPI-like frameworks globally.
In related news, Google announced the discontinuation of the U.S. version of the Google Pay app on June 4, with a shift to Google Wallet. The decision stems from Google Wallet’s greater popularity, claiming five times more usage than the Google Pay app in the U.S.
