- Google Pay will now let users send and receive money via voice-command
- Instant payments initiated with already familiar "Hey Google" technology
- Google Assistant money transfers live for Google Pay app users
Google's popular Assistant technology has been upgraded with the ability to send or request money transfers via Google Pay with a simple voice command.
The service will be free for users in the US on iPhone or Android, and the internet giant says it has plans to eventually expand the voice-activated transfer service to its Google Home smart speakers.
In order to access the service, smartphone users must have a Google Pay account already set up. Though the process can be initiated with a voice command, non-active Google Pay users will be prompted to set up an account and install the app before they can transfer or receive funds.
Voice-activated money transfers can be initiated just like any other Google voice command, says Google product manager Sam Kansara.
"To get started, just say 'Hey Google, request $20 from Sam for the show tonight,' or 'Hey Google, send Jane $15 for lunch today,'" said Kansara in a recent blog post.
Google promises these new voice-activated payments will be instantaneous – even if the money is being sent overseas to popular destinations like the UK and Austrailia, or to family and friends without an active Google Pay account.
"Your friends and family will receive an email, text message, or notification if they already have the Google Pay app installed, so they can cash out," Kansara wrote.
Google Pay, the company's newest offering, was just rolled out to users last month. It was created by merging Google's other various payment services, including Google Wallet and Android Pay, to give customers a more streamlined option for sending and receiving money, making purchases or paying for services.
