Google Experimenting With 'Hands Free' Payment Option
MOUNTAIN VIEW (CBS SF) – Google's latest experiment in mobile payments involves a new app where users can pay for food, while keeping their phone and wallet in their pocket.
The company announced on their Commerce Blog on Wednesday that they launched a pilot program for a new app called "Hands Free."
At participating stores, app users can tell the cashier "I'll pay with Google." The cashier will ask for the customer's initials and use a profile picture to confirm identity.
Google said the app uses the phone's Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Location services to detect if a customer is at a participating store.
Certain McDonald's, Papa John's and other restaurants in the South Bay are among the first establishments to accept Hands Free for payments.
Hands Free is available for Android and iOS devices.