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Google Pay launches Soundpod, QR payment speaker similar to Paytm SoundBox


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Google Pay has announced an expansion of its Soundpod service for merchants in India. This service, initially introduced on a limited scale last year, will now be rolled out across the country over the next few months. Soundpods are speaker devices that provide audio notifications for merchants when QR code payments are made through Google Pay.

Expansion of Soundpods Across India

The company piloted Soundpods last year, receiving positive feedback from participating merchants. These devices help track QR code payments by alerting merchants through audio signals upon receiving a payment. Google Pay’s Vice President for Product, Ambarish Lenge, expressed the company’s satisfaction with the pilot and its intention to make Soundpods available to small merchants nationwide.

RBI’s Directive to Paytm Payments Bank

This expansion coincides with regulatory developments, particularly the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) directive to Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) to cease accepting money after March 15 for transactions. The RBI clarified that Paytm’s QR codes, Soundbox, or POS terminals will continue to function post-March 15 only if linked to other banks besides PPBL.

Paytm’s Efforts and Market Performance

Paytm, in response to the regulatory directive, is working to address issues related to merchant transactions, including settings for virtual payment addresses. Despite challenges, Paytm reported significant growth in merchant subscriptions for devices, indicating ongoing market demand.

Google Pay’s Strategic Initiatives

In contrast, Google Pay is focusing on expanding its soundbox service and other offerings. In addition to the Soundpod expansion, Google Pay announced plans to increase the availability of responsible credit in India. The company views seamless interoperability facilitated by UPI as transformative, not only for India but also globally.

Market Position and Transaction Volumes

Google Pay holds the second position among UPI apps in India, trailing behind PhonePe. In January 2024 alone, Google Pay facilitated over 444 crore transactions valued at Rs 6,35,945.58 crore, underscoring its significant presence in the market. PPBL, while trailing behind Google Pay in transaction volumes, continues to operate in the market.

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