Google testing mobile payment service ‘Plaso’: Report


Google is developing a mobile payment service, according to a latest report from The Information. Dubbed as ‘Plaso’, the service will allow users to make payments from your Android phone by simply saying your initials at the payment counter.

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Plaso uses an app on Google-issued Android phones that alerts retailers when there is someone in the store that can pay with it. The service apparently appears to be using Bluetooth beacon technology to detect Google’s digital payments apps on smartphones physically in the store or near check out.  The service is reportedly being tested at a few restaurant chains, including Panera Bread and Papa John’s.

Buyers initials show up on the app, which is how the retailer verifies your identity. The cashier locates your initials from a list of Plaso-enabled devices within Bluetooth range of the cashier’s device. As per the report states that people will need Android phones to use Plaso, which could be integrated with Google Wallet. At present, Plaso is only being used by Google employees. How does the service processes the payments is not known as of yet.

There is no word on when Plaso might see commercial use. Google builds and tests many products that never see the light of day, added the report. The move from Google looks like a way to take on Apple’s Pay with few tweaks.

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Author: Sneha Bokil

Sneha Bokil is a tech enthusiast and is currently using OnePlus 3T but she still treasures her Nokia N70 (M). You can follow her on Twitter @snehabokil and on Google+