Google tests new mobile payment method

The Hands Free app allows Android and iOS smartphone users to make purchases through their phones.

Hands Free payment method is initially accepted at some McDonald's stores,Papa John... is in the valleySilicon Valley. The app provides hands-free connectivity via Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, and location services on the user’s mobile phone. After entering the store and selecting a product, the customer simply goes to the cashier and tells the employee that they will pay with Hands Free without having to show their phone as the device automatically detects and connects to the payment system.

To confirm their identity and prevent unauthorized use of their account, users need to upload their own photos through a camera located at the checkout counter. After the purchase is completed, the Hands Free system will immediately delete the customer's previously taken photo. In addition, users must also read the first letters of their name to increase the accuracy of the identity verification process.

This isn’t Google’s first foray into mobile payments, having previously launched Google Wallet and Android Pay, which support near-field communication (NFC) payments. Major retailers like McDonald’s accepted Android Pay when it launched last year, with support from the four major payment networks: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.

Greg Sterling, Vice President of Strategy at the Local Search Association, said that Hands Free is not a replacement for Android Pay, but it will provide a more flexible and competitive mobile payment method.

"Because Google Wallet didn't really work as expected, Android Pay was launched and then new solutions. The mobile payment market is still in its early stages of development, so there is still an opportunity for applications with many differences to win the hearts of users," said Mr. Greg Sterling.

How Hands Free works:

The advantage of Hands Free is that it is more secure than traditional mobile payment methods. There are 3 authentication factors, the first is that the user's device must be in the store to connect to the system via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Next is taking a photo for confirmation and finally providing the customer's initials.

Therefore, the risk factors have been minimized. In addition, personal information security is also considered important by Google when the image used for authentication will be deleted immediately after the payment is completed.

According to VNE