Google testing biometric voice payments via Assistant

Google has confirmed it is testing a new Assistant feature that authorizes transactions through Voice Match biometrics, writes Android Police.

The feature was detected by the publication in Google Assistant’s Payments and Security settings dashboard, and Android Police later confirmed with Google that the feature is part of a limited test pilot. Support documents include updates about the new feature.

To access the feature, users have to go to the Google app -> More -> Settings -> Google Assistant -> You -> Payments. The option “Confirm with Voice Match” might be available. If enabled, it opens a setup screen with a Google account password confirmation. Android Police warns that the process is not successful for everyone. After speaking to Google, the publication found the feature is limited to in-app digital purchases through Google Play and restaurant orders.

The feature was not mentioned in support documents in December. A Google representative has confirmed for Android Police that the feature is part of a trial for Assistant-enabled speakers and smart displays.

In April, TechCrunch claimed images obtained revealed Google was working on biometric smart debit cards for Google Play, while in May, Google Chrome added support for biometric payment authentication for Windows 10 users with facial or fingerprint recognition through Windows Hello.

The voice recognition market was forecast last year by Fortune Business Insights to surpass $28 billion by 2026, driven largely by growth in voice-controlled speakers.

Article Topics

biometric payments  |  biometrics  |  Google  |  pilot project  |  secure transactions  |  voice biometrics