Hands-Free: I'll Pay with Google

Google has launched a new Hands-free payment system in San Francisco that allows customers to pay without even needing their smartphones or wallets. All you have to say is- "I'll pay with Google" and you have made the payment.

The much-awaited app - Hands-Free, as the name suggests “lets you pay in stores quickly, easily, and completely hands-free.” After saying the magical words, the cashier confirms your identity, using your initials and the photo you have added to your Hands-Free profile and its done before you know it. The payment system is available both for iOS and android users, however, only a limited stores will accept money transaction this way which includes Papa johns, McDonalds and few other local business houses.

“Imagine if you could rush through a drive-thru without reaching for your wallet, or pick up a hot dog at the ballpark without fumbling to pass coins or your credit card to the cashier,” Google mentioned on its commerce blog. “This prompted us to build a pilot app called Hands Free.” the company added.

How to use the App?

You'll have to start with downloading a corresponding iOS or Android app. After filling in your initials, choose a payment method from a debit card or credit card, and upload a photo. Upon reaching the store, the app will start covering your location with the help of Bluetooth low energy and WiFi. At check out counter, the app sends over your photo and initials to the other side. The cashier will only ask for your initials and will confirm that the photos match.

In some shops, according to Google, users won’t even need to provide their initials. “We’re also in the early stages of experimenting with visual identification so that you can breeze through checkout even faster,” Google reported. The in-store camera will automatically confirm person’s identity based on his/her Hands-Free profile.

As for now Google is also offering a $5 discount on first Hands-Free purchase. One can surely buy a small coke with that.