By Martin Shwenk Leade
Copyright indiatimes
ET OnlinePhonePe launches next-gen SmartSpeaker with integrated card payments
Digital payments major PhonePe on Tuesday unveiled its next-generation SmartSpeaker, the SmartPOD, at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, marking a major step toward integrating card payments with UPI-based solutions for small merchants.Designed and manufactured in India, the SmartPOD combines the functionalities of a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and SmartSpeaker, allowing merchants to accept both card and QR payments through a single, compact device.The device aims to address a growing need among small businesses that primarily accept UPI payments but lose potential sales due to the lack of affordable card acceptance solutions.“We are excited to be launching the SmartPOD at the Global Fintech Fest. While our earlier smartspeakers made QR code-based payment acceptance reliable and seamless, the SmartPOD goes a step further by enabling card acceptance through these cost-effective devices,” said Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, Chief Business Officer, Merchant Business at PhonePe.“It’s an ideal upgrade for smaller merchants who want to accept all forms of digital payments in an affordable way and helps them tap opportunities to expand and grow their business,” he added.Live EventsThe SmartPOD builds on the features of SmartSpeaker 2.0, retaining tools like celebrity voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, and fast charging, while adding a dual-display setup—one for customers and one for merchants—for transparent and smooth transactions.It supports card payments from Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express, with NFC tap and EMV chip (dip & pay) capabilities. A keypad allows for PIN entry, and the system generates e-charge slips for all card transactions to enhance security and convenience.PhonePe said the SmartPOD aligns with its broader goal of equipping merchants of all sizes with affordable digital payment devices. All of PhonePe’s hardware solutions will continue to be available, giving businesses flexibility to choose based on their operational needs.As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe had over 61 crore registered users and a merchant network spanning 4.4 crore outlets across India.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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