Tech companies put our wallets inside our phones because taking your wallet out of your pocket or bag is so old fashioned. Now one of the biggest tech companies on the planet wants you to make payments on the go without even having to take out your phone. Google has started pilot testing a new payments app called Hands Free. As the name suggests it will enable users to pay in stores quickly and easy while being completely hands-free.
Google says that the pilot test is still in early phases but it’s now ready to invite people in the South Bay to test Hands Free. The app is available for both iOS and Android and Hands Free will be supported at select McDonald’s, Papa John’s and local eateries in the area.
Once Hands Free has been installed on the device it uses Bluetooth low energy, Wi-Fi and location services on the phone to determine if you’re near a participating store. When ready to pay just tell the cashier “I’ll pay with Google,” the cashier will ask for your initials and check the picture you added to the Hands Free profile to confirm your identity.
At some select stores, Google is also testing a visual identification system which will enable you to check out even faster. There will be an in-store camera that automatically confirms your identity based on your Hands Free profile picture. For the privacy conscious, Google points out that all images captured by this in-store camera are immediately deleted.
If you’re a South Bay resident sign up now to try out Hands Free if you’re interested to see how Google is shaping the future of mobile payments.
Filed in . Read more about Google. Source: googlecommerce.blogspot