The telecom giant, Jio Payments, is rumored to be in the testing phase of a new product that will mark its entry into the merchant payments solution segment. This new product, known as the Jio Soundbox, is said to be an audio payment verification device, similar to offerings by competitors like Paytm, PhonePe, and BharatPe. With two pilot projects already completed, the company is aiming for a potential launch by the end of 2024.
Jio Payments, which already provides a payment gateway, point-of-sale devices, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform, and a biller platform, is looking to further expand its offerings with the introduction of the Jio Soundbox. By entering the soundbox segment, Jio aims to provide a comprehensive payment solution stack as a package to its customers, enhancing its market reach and competitiveness.
The pilot projects for the Jio Soundbox have been conducted in tier-2 cities and smaller metro areas such as Jaipur, Indore, and Lucknow. Following the successful completion of these trials, the devices are now being rolled out in Jio’s retail outlets in tier-1 and metro cities. The soundbox is designed to send audio alerts for successful payments and can also function as a point-of-sale unit by displaying the merchant’s QR code on top of it.
The public launch of the Jio Soundbox is anticipated within the next eight to nine months, suggesting a possible release in the current calendar year. The revenue model for the device is expected to be similar to that of its competitors, with an upfront fee and monthly subscription charges. While the exact pricing details for the Jio Soundbox are not yet available, it is likely to follow a comparable pricing structure to remain competitive in the market.
The introduction of the Jio Soundbox signifies a strategic move by Jio Payments to diversify its product offerings and strengthen its position in the merchant payments segment. With its innovative features and competitive pricing, the Jio Soundbox has the potential to disrupt the market and reshape the landscape of merchant payments solutions in India.
Leave a Reply