Google Hands Free is now live in San Francisco

With Hands Free, Google is taking the next step in payment methods. After cash, credit card swipe, contactless payments, "traditional" mobile payment services, this new app allows payments without having to lay a single finger on the phone or wallet. Unfortunately, Google Hands Free is not ready for a full deployment yet, being only available in "select stores in South Bay, including McDonald's, Papa John's and local businesses to pilot the experience."

Once the user installs the app, a photo is needed for identification, while adding a new credit card is not required, since one already attached to the Google account can be used. The app uses Bluetooth LE and WiFi to pass the required information to the point-of-sale system and initiate the transaction. According to the official website, the app requires at least Android 4.2 Jelly Bean-powered or iPhone 4S handsets.

Hands Free is not related to Android Pay, and first purchase completed using it comes with a $5 USD discount that is automatically applied by the system.