Google tests its own ‘Soundbox’ in India

Google is apparently starting to distribute its white-labeled speakers, dubbed Soundpod by Google Pay, in select areas of North India.

The company is experimenting with a soundbox to notify retailers of UPI payment confirmations, the country’s own mobile payment system.

Because tap-and-pay is not extensively used in India, soundboxes are frequently employed. Google Pay faces severe competition in India from established competitors such as Paytm, Walmart-owned PhonePe, and BharatPe.

Payment soundboxes are currently used by small businesses and street vendors to verify customer payments by audio.

They support multiple languages, have a long battery life, and provide a daily transaction report in a multilingual country like India.