Google is debuting a new experimental mobile payment service, and this time, it has nothing to do with Near Field Communication.
Known as Hands Free, this new payment method allows users to buy items via voice command. How it works is that the users need to set up an app with their credit card information and photo. When the user reaches the checkout, they would say “I want to pay with Google” to complete your transaction. The cashier would then verify the user’s identity by checking the photo linked to their Hands Free account and by asking for the user’s initials.
The Hands Free app will work through a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and location services to detect when you’re at a store that is set up for Hands Free. This method of paying would work even on smartphones that do not support NFC payments.
Currently, this payment method is being tasted out at McDonald’s and Papa John’s locations at the South Bay Area.
