During the Google for India 2021 event, tech giant Google unveiled several new features for its payment and UPI app, Google Pay. These updates aim to enhance user experience, promote digital payments, and empower merchants. Let’s delve into the details of these exciting additions.
Digital Payment Landscape in India
Amid the ongoing pandemic, digital payments have gained significant importance. Google Pay’s Vice President, Ambarish Kenghe, highlighted the robust growth of BHIM UPI, clocking 3.6 billion transactions monthly and surpassing $1 trillion in annual transaction volume. Google Pay itself facilitates over 15 billion transactions annually, amounting to more than $400 billion.
Key Features Added to Google Pay
Hinglish Support
Google Pay will soon introduce support for “Hinglish,” a blend of English and Hindi widely used by over 350 million Indians. This feature, slated for early 2022, allows users to switch the app’s interface to Hinglish, enhancing accessibility and ease of use for a broader user base.
Bill Splitting
Building on its group feature, Google Pay is adding a bill split feature. Users can seamlessly split expenses with friends and family either within groups or individual contacts. The app also tracks payments made by friends post-bill splitting, enhancing transparency and convenience.
Voice Support for Bank Account Numbers
To simplify transfers, Google Pay is integrating voice support for entering recipient bank account numbers. Users can speak the account number in Hindi or English, and Google Pay intelligently processes the information, facilitating smoother transactions.
Inventory Management for Merchants
Google Pay’s merchant ecosystem is expanding with the introduction of inventory management capabilities. Merchants can now list their products, working hours, and more directly within the app. Additionally, shop owners can showcase and sell their products online, eliminating the need for separate websites or apps.
Conclusion: Empowering Users and Merchants
Google Pay’s latest features align with the evolving digital payment landscape in India. From language support and bill splitting convenience to enhanced merchant capabilities, these updates cater to diverse user needs, promote financial inclusivity, and drive digital commerce growth. As Google Pay continues to innovate, it strengthens its position as a leading player in India’s digital payment ecosystem, benefiting users and businesses alike.
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