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PayPal Launches Hands-Free Payment Device Using Bluetooth

By TechTaffy Desk

PayPal_beacon

PayPal has launched PayPal Beacon, a device that when plugged into a power outlet at the stores, lets consumers make hands-free payment. Shoppers will not need to open an app, and a cell phone signal is not needed to make the transaction.

David Marcus (President, PayPal): We challenged ourselves to find a better experience than swiping a credit card. We figured the only better way to pay would be to do nothing.  

PayPal Beacon leverages Bluetooth LE. Stores running point of sale systems compatible with PayPal, including Booker, Erply, Leaf, Leapset, Micros, NCR, PayPal Here, Revel, ShopKeep, TouchBistro and Vend, needs to plug a PayPal Beacon device in a power outlet in their store, to get started. 

Consumers will have full control of stores they will want to check in to, says PayPal, and adds that the company will not be tracking location data all the time.

PayPal is free for consumers when used to buy something or make a payment in the US. Fees mainly apply to sellers, who pay a 2.9% transaction fee on the total sale amount plus a $0.30 fee per transaction.

PayPal will be opening up its mobile in-store API soon for developers as well.

[Image courtesy: PayPal]

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