Google Pay Is Bringing Paytm-Like Soundpod to Merchants
Google is currently testing soundboxes that alert merchants when a digital payment has been made. It is reportedly distributing the product to select shops across North India, including Delhi.
The device is similar to ones offered by Paytm and PhonePe. It features an in-built speaker to announce successful payments, a small LCD screen that shows payment amounts, battery and network status, and manual controls.
SoundPod by Google Pay
Google Pay is bringing its UPI payment app to merchants in India with a device that announces payments alerts. Similar to soundboxes offered by alternative platforms like Paytm and PhonePe, the device will have an in-built speaker that announces successful payments. It will also feature an LCD display that reflects number of payments, battery status, network status and some manual controls.
Currently, rival Fintech companies like Paytm and PhonePe distribute soundboxes to merchants across India on a rental basis. They typically charge a rental fee of Rs. 49 for PhonePe and Rs. 125 for Paytm’s sound pod.
These devices have a QR code on the front which is linked to a business owner’s bank-registered phone number. Customers can scan the code to make UPI-based payments. The device will then announce the payment and the amount as well.
UPI-based Payments
UPI is an electronic payments platform that allows users to send money without entering bank account details. Instead, they can use their mobile number, Aadhar number, virtual payment address (VPA), or even a QR code.
To make a UPI payment, users log into an application that supports it. After creating a unique ID, they can access their balances and transaction histories.
Once they’ve done that, they can look up a merchant – or another user – through their mobile number or UPI ID. They can then enter the recipient’s virtual ID, and select the amount they want to send.
When the transaction is complete, the money is sent to the recipient’s bank account via a secure, encrypted connection. The recipient receives a text message with the information, and can verify it using their UPI PIN.
QR Code
QR codes are a type of barcode that can be read by smartphones. They contain information that can be used to send messages, make calls, or open websites.
They can also be used for mobile device management, point of sale (POS), and even app-to-app transfers. For example, Venmo uses QR Codes to let you transfer funds directly from one person’s account to another.
To scan a QR code, you’ll need to use a scanner app on your smartphone. These apps are usually free to download from the App Store or Google Play.
A QR code consists of 7 parts that create a sort of pixel pattern. Each of these parts has its own purpose.
The Alignment Pattern, for instance, helps the reader understand which way is up. The Finder Pattern, on the other hand, is helpful for finding a code in the dark or on a skewed surface.
Dynamic QR codes are ideal for changing information as often as you need to. For example, a restaurant could change its menu regularly, but the code would still direct customers to the correct URL.
Multi-language Support
Multi-language support is a key strategy for any business that is trying to serve customers in multiple markets. It allows you to provide support materials in the language your target audience speaks, and helps break down barriers between you and your clients.
In fact, a recent survey by Intercom found that 70 percent of end-users feel loyal to businesses that offer customer support in their native language. And 62 percent of them will be more tolerant of product issues and delays when they can get help in their preferred language.
In addition, you can use multi-language content in your email campaigns and site personalizations to serve different messages based on a user’s locale. To do so, add lng values to the campaign’s ESP parameters (see Configure ESP Parameters).