**PhonePe’s New SmartPOD Smart Speaker Supports Card Payments Too**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 7, 2025, 8:03 PM*
PhonePe, a leading player in the digital payments space, has launched its next-generation smart speaker called **SmartPOD**. The device was unveiled at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 and marks a significant step towards integrating card payments with UPI-based solutions tailored for small merchants.
**Designed for Small Businesses**
The SmartPOD is designed and manufactured in India, combining the functionalities of a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and a smart speaker into one compact unit. This innovation addresses the growing need among small businesses that primarily accept UPI payments but miss out on potential sales due to the lack of affordable card acceptance options.
According to Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, PhonePe’s Chief Business Officer, “It’s an ideal upgrade for smaller merchants who want to accept all forms of digital payments in an affordable way and helps them tap opportunities to expand and grow their business.”
**Advanced Device Specifications**
Building upon the features of PhonePe’s earlier SmartSpeaker 2.0, the SmartPOD retains capabilities such as celebrity voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, and fast charging. It introduces a dual-display setup—one screen for the customer and another for the merchant—to ensure transparent transactions.
The device supports card payments from major networks including Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express. It offers NFC tap and EMV chip functionality, enabling secure and versatile payment options.
**Strategic Vision and Availability**
PhonePe emphasizes that the SmartPOD aligns with its broader goal of providing affordable digital payment devices suitable for merchants of all sizes. The company has also confirmed that all existing hardware solutions will continue to be available, allowing businesses flexibility to select devices that best fit their operational needs.
As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe boasted over 610 million registered users and a merchant network spanning 44 million outlets across India.
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The introduction of the SmartPOD signals PhonePe’s commitment to empowering small businesses by making digital payment acceptance more accessible and versatile, further driving the growth of India’s digital economy.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/phonepe-launches-smartpod-a-smart-speaker-with-card-payment-capabilities/story
