Google is getting ready to bring SoundPod to more merchants in India soon. SoundPod, part of Google Pay, is a device that helps merchants keep track of QR code payments using sound alerts when a payment comes in. Google Pay says they’ve gotten good feedback from merchants who tried it. Now, they are making it available to more people.
Other companies like Paytm and PhonePe have similar devices for merchants. Paytm was the first to introduce audio confirmations with Paytm Soundbox in 2019. Now, Google Pay is expanding its SoundPod service across India. This is happening as the Reserve Bank of India has told Paytm Payments Bank Limited to stop accepting transactions after March 15. SoundPod works like Paytm’s Soundbox. The speaker device gives merchants audio alerts in real-time when they get QR code payments.
Google’s Strategy for Payment Services
Google is streamlining its payment services in the United States by consolidating most features from the Google Pay app into the Google Wallet app. This means that users in the US will primarily use the Google Wallet app for their payment needs. However, this change won’t impact how Google Pay operates for users and businesses in India, according to Ambarish Kenghe, Vice President of Product at Google Pay.
Kenghe emphasized the significance of Google’s involvement in India’s digital payments narrative, highlighting the valuable insights from witnessing the country’s tech-driven societal transformation. He expressed deep pride in Google’s contribution to India’s digital payments landscape and reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to furthering this journey.
Furthermore, Google Pay recently collaborated with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) to enable UPI payments outside India. This strategic partnership aims to facilitate UPI-like payment frameworks in countries beyond India, extending the reach and convenience of digital payments globally. This initiative signifies Google Pay’s commitment to promoting seamless and secure payment solutions across international borders.
Accessing SoundPod Services
To access SoundPod services, merchants have two subscription options: a daily or yearly plan. The daily plan has a one-time fee of ₹499 and a daily charge of ₹5. The yearly plan costs ₹1,499 per year, saving ₹500 compared to the daily plan. Subscribers receive cashback incentives if they process 400 payments monthly through GPay QR codes.
To activate SoundPod services, merchants need to follow these steps:
- Open the Google Pay for Business app.
- Begin the subscription process.
- Choose between the daily or yearly plan.
- Enable daily settlement.
- Select a payment profile.
- Set up the SoundPod device.
These steps will enable merchants to utilize the SoundPod services efficiently for their payment transactions.
Setting Up and Operating the SoundPod Device
The SoundPod device features four keys:
- Power: Turns the device on.
- Volume Up/Down: Adjusts the device volume.
- Menu: Accesses transaction history, OTP, terminal ID, and firmware version.
To set up and operate the SoundPod device, follow these simple steps:
- Activation: Press and hold the Power key for 3 seconds to switch on the device. The green LED indicates a successful connection, displaying network strength through 4G.
- Confirmation: Two voice prompts, “Welcome to SoundPod by Google Pay” and “Network Connected,” confirm successful connectivity.
- Transaction Notifications: The device will notify merchants of successful QR code transactions.
For reviewing transactions and generating invoices:
- Accessing Invoices: Merchants can review transaction details and download invoices through the Google Pay for Business app.
- Navigation: Navigate to Invoices in the app.
- Invoice Retrieval: Under “Quick links,” tap SoundPod, or go to Settings and then Invoices.
- Invoice Details: View and download invoices for SoundPod transactions. Tap a specific transaction to review details, including audio notification service fee deductions labelled “SoundPod fee deduction.”
Paytm’s Soundbox Continues Operation Post March 15
Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma assures users that Paytm’s soundbox will remain functional after March 15. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clarified that users can still use arrangements linked to bank accounts other than Paytm Payments Bank for fund transfers and receipts beyond March 15, 2024. Notably, One97 Communications, Paytm’s parent company, has shifted its nodal account to Axis Bank from Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL). While there is no direct mention of a migration process between Paytm’s Soundbox and Google Pay’s SoundPod, users can choose either device based on their preferences.
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