Google is testing a payments platform that sounds painfully awkward
REUTERS/Rebecca Naden
Google is working on a new payments service to counter Apple Pay's breakout success, according to The Information.
Plaso (pronounced "play-so,"), as it's being called by Google employees, is being tested at Papa Johns and Panera Bread.
It sounds really awkward to use.
You have to say your initials to the cashier to make a purchase.
Plaso uses an app on Google-issued Android phones that alerts retailers when there's someone in the store that can pay with it.
Your initials show up on the app, which is how the retailer verifies your identity (unless you had someone else's phone and lied; it's unclear if Plaso has other security measures). The Information says people will need Android phones to use Plaso, which could be integrated with Google Wallet.
But it seems like people might feel uncomfortable uttering the equivalent of "open sesame" to buy things.
There's no risk of accidentally spitting on your cashier with Apple Pay.
Plaso is only being used by Google employees right now. Google may chose never to release it to the public. But so long as it relies on a voice password, Google will have a hard time trumping Apple Pay's convenience.
Meanwhile, yesterday Apple CEO Tim Cook said that 80% of mobile transactions at Panera are already using Apple Pay. So Google has some catching up to do.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas