UPI Lite Now Available on Smart Glasses: Revolutionizing Contactless Payments with "Look, Speak, Pay" Technology

UPI Lite has been integrated with smart glasses, enabling hands-free payment transactions. (Representational)

Mumbai:

Smart glasses have now been equipped with UPI Lite functionality, allowing users to make payments by simply looking at a QR code and giving a voice command.

According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), these small-value transactions eliminate the need for a mobile phone or PIN authentication.

The innovation was officially launched by Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai.

UPI Lite is specifically designed to handle small-value, high-frequency transactions with improved success rates and reduced dependency on core banking systems.

NPCI has released a demonstration video showcasing the "Look. Speak. Pay." process, highlighting how users can complete secure transactions through smart glasses without touching their smartphones.

In their official statement, NPCI explained that users can execute hands-free and secure transactions by scanning a QR code, authenticating, and completing payments through voice commands on smart glasses, eliminating the need for phones or PINs.

"The solution targets everyday payments such as retail, food, and transit, promoting greater digital payment adoption," the statement added.

This feature addresses consumers' increasing demand for seamless, frictionless payment experiences that integrate smoothly into their always-connected, mobile digital lifestyle.

"This launch represents the first extension of UPI into the wearable ecosystem, marking progress toward ambient payments by enabling seamless digital transactions," NPCI stated.

The integration of UPI Lite into smart glasses also benefits banks by decreasing load on core banking systems, while reinforcing India's position as a leader in digital payment innovation.

Additionally, it provides advantages to banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) by reducing core banking system load through off-CBS wallet execution.

NPCI emphasized that embedding UPI Lite on smart glasses enhances user convenience while strengthening India's global leadership in digital payment innovation.

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform is owned and managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

NPCI, which serves as an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India, was established as an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks' Association (IBA) to create a robust Payment & Settlement Infrastructure for the country.