**PhonePe Unveils SmartPOD Smart Speaker Supporting Card Payments**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 7, 2025, 8:03 PM*
PhonePe, a leading player in the digital payments sector, has launched its next-generation smart speaker, the **SmartPOD**, at the Global Fintech Fest 2025. This innovative device marks a significant advancement by integrating card payment capabilities alongside UPI-based solutions, specifically targeting small merchants.
### Catering to Small Businesses’ Needs
Designed and manufactured in India, the SmartPOD combines the functionalities of a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and a smart speaker into one compact unit. It addresses a critical gap faced by small businesses that primarily accept UPI payments but often miss out on potential sales due to the lack of affordable card acceptance options.
“It’s an ideal upgrade for smaller merchants who want to accept all forms of digital payments affordably and helps them tap opportunities to expand and grow their business,” stated Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, PhonePe’s Chief Business Officer.
### Advanced Features and Specifications
Building on the successful features of the SmartSpeaker 2.0, the SmartPOD retains functionalities such as celebrity voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, and fast charging. New enhancements include a dual-display setup—one screen for customers and another for merchants—ensuring transparent transactions.
Notably, the SmartPOD supports card payments through major networks including Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express. It features both NFC tap and EMV chip capabilities, making it versatile for varied payment preferences.
### Strategic Vision and Availability
PhonePe emphasizes that the SmartPOD aligns with its broader vision of offering affordable digital payment devices to merchants across all scales of operation. Importantly, the company will continue to offer its existing hardware solutions, thereby giving businesses the flexibility to select devices that best suit their operational needs.
As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe boasts over 610 million registered users and a merchant network comprising 44 million outlets across India, underscoring its extensive reach and commitment to digital payments innovation.
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*Stay tuned for more updates on PhonePe’s expanding product ecosystem and its impact on the digital payments landscape.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/phonepe-launches-smartpod-a-smart-speaker-with-card-payment-capabilities/story
