Square is expanding its payment processing ecosystem with a new device that brings modern design and functionality to mobile point-of-sale systems. The financial technology company, known for its ubiquitous white payment pucks found in cafés and retail stores worldwide, is now targeting businesses of all sizes with a more versatile and portable solution.
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| A person using the Square Handheld device for a retail transaction, illustrating the new mobile point-of-sale system in action |
A Smartphone-Inspired Payment Terminal
The newly launched Square Handheld represents a significant evolution in the company's hardware lineup. Designed to resemble a chunky smartphone, this wireless device weighs less than three-quarters of a pound (approximately 311 grams) and measures just half an inch thick, making it one of the thinnest and lightest handheld point-of-sale devices currently available on the market. The familiar form factor is intentional, as Square's head of hardware Thomas Templeton notes that workers shouldn't have to experience a degraded experience after they clock in compared to the consumer electronics they're accustomed to using in their personal lives.
Comprehensive Payment and Business Features
Square Handheld integrates multiple functionalities into a single device, potentially eliminating the need for separate systems. It features a built-in card reader for traditional payments, supports contactless tap-to-pay transactions, and includes a barcode scanner at the top for inventory management. The device also houses a 16-megapixel camera for taking product photos and a splash and dust-resistant 6.2-inch touchscreen for navigation. Square claims the battery provides enough power to last through a full workday, addressing a common pain point for mobile business tools.
Streamlined Operations for Various Business Types
The new device works with Square's recently unified point-of-sale app, which now offers seven customizable modes tailored to specific industries, including Quick Service, Bar, and Retail modes. This versatility allows the Handheld to serve diverse business needs from small cafés to larger retail operations. For servers in restaurants, the device enables taking orders tableside and sending them directly to the kitchen without returning to a central terminal. For retailers, the barcode scanner facilitates inventory management tasks that previously required bulkier equipment.
Pricing and Availability
The Square Handheld is available now for USD $399, positioning it as a more affordable alternative to competitors like Clover's USD $749 Flex system. Square has also partnered with Belkin to offer protective cases in seven different colors for an additional USD $39 each, allowing businesses to customize the appearance of their devices while providing protection against damage.
Future Potential
While the current version focuses on streamlining existing payment and inventory processes, Square has hinted at potential future enhancements through software updates. Templeton mentioned the possibility of AI features that could recognize unlisted inventory items or suggest dishes based on weather conditions. However, he expressed reluctance about implementing biometric payment verification like facial recognition or retinal scanning, citing privacy concerns. The device's processing power suggests it's been designed with future capabilities in mind, even if they're not available at launch.
Market Positioning
This launch represents Square's attempt to appeal to a broader range of businesses while maintaining its foothold with smaller merchants. With over 4 million sellers already using Square's hardware and services, the company is clearly aiming to deepen its integration into business operations beyond simple payment processing. By combining payment collection, inventory management, and order processing in a portable device, Square is positioning the Handheld as an all-in-one solution that can grow with businesses of any size.