**PhonePe Launches SmartPOD: A Smart Speaker That Supports Card Payments**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 08:03 PM*
PhonePe, a leading player in the digital payments space, has unveiled its next-generation SmartSpeaker, called SmartPOD, at the Global Fintech Fest 2025. This innovative device marks a significant step toward 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 functions of a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and a smart speaker into a single compact unit. It specifically addresses the needs of small businesses that predominantly accept UPI payments but often miss out on potential sales due to the lack of affordable card acceptance solutions.
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.”
**Enhanced Features and Specifications**
Building on the features of the SmartSpeaker 2.0, the SmartPOD retains key functionalities such as celebrity voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, and fast charging. Additionally, it introduces a dual-display setup—one screen for customers and another for merchants—to ensure transparent transactions.
The device supports card payments from major networks including Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express. It comes equipped with both NFC tap and EMV chip capabilities, making it versatile and convenient for various payment methods.
**Strategic Alignment and Availability**
PhonePe emphasizes that the SmartPOD aligns with its broader vision of providing affordable digital payment devices to merchants of all sizes. The company also confirmed that it will continue offering all its existing hardware solutions, allowing businesses the flexibility to select devices based on their specific operational needs.
As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe boasts over 61 crore registered users and a merchant network spanning 4.4 crore outlets across India, solidifying its position as a leader in the digital payments ecosystem.
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With the introduction of SmartPOD, PhonePe aims to empower small merchants by simplifying digital payments and expanding their reach in India’s bustling market.
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