Is PhonePe's Next-Gen SmartSpeaker the Future of Payments?
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Synopsis
PhonePe has introduced the revolutionary SmartPOD, a next-gen SmartSpeaker designed for seamless card payments. This innovative device combines the functionality of traditional POS systems with modern technology, catering to merchants' growing needs in a competitive digital landscape.
Key Takeaways
- PhonePe SmartPOD combines smart speaker technology with POS functionality.
- Designed for merchants to capture missed sales opportunities.
- Supports various payment methods including cards and UPI.
- Affordable solution for small businesses.
- Equips merchants with modern payment technology.
New Delhi, Oct 9 (NationPress) PhonePe has launched its cutting-edge SmartSpeaker, the PhonePe SmartPOD, tailored to address the dynamic payment requirements of both merchants and customers.
Unveiled during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, this innovative hybrid device underscores PhonePe's dedication to crafting effective solutions for Indian merchants.
Produced in India, the SmartPOD marks the initial PhonePe offering that merges the top functionalities of SmartSpeaker technology with traditional Point of Sale (POS) systems into a single, budget-friendly device.
This latest version enhances previous smart speakers that provided audio notifications for UPI payments. The SmartPOD is crafted to assist merchants primarily engaging in UPI transactions, who may miss out on sales due to the absence of an affordable card payment option.
This device represents an effective solution, enabling merchants to capitalize on those lost sales and appeal to a broader customer base with a comprehensive, economical payment solution.
The flawless integration of payment methods like cards and QR codes guarantees a more streamlined and convenient experience for both merchants and users.
“We are thrilled to debut the SmartPOD at the Global Fintech Fest. While our earlier smart speakers ensured reliable QR code-based payment acceptance for our merchant partners, the SmartPOD elevates this by facilitating card acceptance through these cost-effective devices. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for smaller merchants who increasingly need to accept diverse forms of digital payments affordably, allowing consumers nationwide to use their cards even at the smallest of local merchants,” stated Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, Chief Business Officer - Merchant Business at PhonePe.
“We are delighted to collaborate with our smaller merchant partners, equipping them with solutions that can elevate their businesses to be competitive with larger players and help them seize opportunities for growth,” he added.
The SmartPOD retains all the popular features from SmartSpeaker 2.0, including celebrity voice confirmation, 4G connectivity, and fast charging.
This device accepts card payments from major networks, including Mastercard, Visa, RuPay, and American Express, with support for both Near Field Communication (NFC) tap and Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) chip transactions (dip & pay).
To enhance customer interaction, the SmartPOD features a customer-facing display to present the transaction amount and a merchant-facing screen for easy amount entry. It also includes a keypad for PIN entry and supports e-charge slips for all card transactions, ensuring a secure and efficient payment process.
All PhonePe device solutions will be accessible across markets, providing merchants with the flexibility to select a device that best fits their specific requirements. This multi-tiered strategy guarantees that businesses of all scales can discover a cost-effective solution for managing their in-store digital payments.
Point of View
The introduction of PhonePe's SmartPOD signifies a substantial leap towards inclusive digital payments in India. This device not only empowers smaller merchants but also enhances consumer accessibility, reflecting PhonePe's commitment to bridging the payment gap in the market.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PhonePe SmartPOD?
The PhonePe SmartPOD is a next-gen SmartSpeaker that integrates card payment capabilities with traditional POS systems, designed for merchants.
Where was the SmartPOD launched?
The SmartPOD was unveiled at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in New Delhi.
What payment methods does the SmartPOD support?
The SmartPOD accepts various payment methods, including UPI, card payments from major networks, and supports NFC and EMV chip transactions.
Who can benefit from the SmartPOD?
Small and medium-sized merchants looking for an affordable payment solution can greatly benefit from the SmartPOD.
What features does the SmartPOD include?
The SmartPOD includes features like celebrity voice confirmation, a customer-facing display, and fast charging.
