Were you tired of paying with a credit card so you started using your phone? Well Google believes you shouldn’t even have to use that. As of March 2nd, Google is now testing “Hands Free Payments” in the South Bay area.
Google describes Hands Free as a system that “uses Bluetooth low energy, Wi-Fi, and location services on your phone to detect whether you’re near a participating store. When you’re ready to pay, you can simply tell the cashier, “I’ll pay with Google.” The cashier will ask for your initials and use the picture you added to your Hands Free profile to confirm your identity.”
Google says Hands Free is secure because none of your credit card information is ever shared with the retailer and all your payment details are stored securely and only shared with the payment processor. Hands Free also only works if your phone is within the vicinity of the register, so no need to worry about someone who looks like you racking up charges under your name.
Hands Free is available on Android and iOS devices and is rolling out to a small number of McDonald’s, Papa John’s, and local eateries in the South Bay area.
But in case hands free isn’t enough, Google is also working on a visual identification payments system that would allow for you to checkout at record speeds.
Check out the promotional video from Google for Hands Free-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxet1VdpOQ4
Does this really have a shot at becoming something big?
With any product this outrageous, it always begs the question whether or not it could actually become something big. Of course it helps that the product comes from Google and not some random startup, but even with Google backing Hands Free it still seems like a bit of a stretch. As usual, only time will tell, but this is definitely something I’ll be keeping my eye on.
In the South Bay area and want to give Hands Free a try? Google will give you $5 off your first Hands Free purchase. For more information check out the Hands Free landing page.
Also, if you actually get a chance to use Hands Free, please share your experience in the comments below! I would love to hear about it.
Leo Sun from The Motley Fool thinks Hands Free will flop. Check out why here.
