IPO Bound PhonePe Unveils Next-Gen SmartSpeaker with Integrated Card Payments

Ahead of the IPO, PhonePe introduced its new SmartSpeaker, called SmartPOD, at the Global Fintech Fest 2025. As per the news reports, the device adds card payment acceptance to the company’s existing speaker-based solutions.

The SmartPOD is designed and manufactured in India. It combines a SmartSpeaker with Point-of-Sale (POS) features, enabling merchants to accept QR code and card payments on one device.

Focus on Small Merchants

As per the press release, Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, Chief Business Officer, Merchant Business at PhonePe, stated, “We are excited to be launching the SmartPOD at the Global Fintech Fest. While our earlier smart speakers made QR code-based payment acceptance reliable and seamless, the SmartPOD goes a step further by enabling card acceptance through these cost-effective devices.”

The SmartPOD can process payments from Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express. It supports NFC tap and EMV chip (dip and pay) methods. A keypad is included for PIN entry, and electronic charge slips are generated for each card transaction.

Other Additional Features

The device builds on the earlier SmartSpeaker 2.0. It keeps functions like voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, and fast charging. New additions include a dual-display setup, one facing the merchant and the other the customer.

PhonePe confirmed that SmartPOD is part of its hardware range for merchants. Other models will continue to be available, giving businesses a choice depending on their payment needs.

User and Merchant Base

As per the press release, as of March 31, 2025, PhonePe reported more than 61 crore registered users and a merchant network of 4.4 crore outlets across India. The SmartPOD will be available within the existing base.

Read More: Paytm Launches India’s First AI Soundbox for Payments!

Conclusion

The SmartPOD extends PhonePe’s hardware line by adding card payment support to its SmartSpeaker product. It is for providing merchants with a single device for multiple payment modes.

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