CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Alipay announced an upgrade to the barcode payment experience by introducing the ‘Tap!’ function on July 8, the Alipay Open Day. With this new feature, users no longer need to show a payment code. By simply keeping the phone screen unlocked and tapping the phone against the cash register, a user can complete the payment process in just one step.

Compared with the existing Alipay’s QR code payment, the ‘Tap!’ function is even more straightforward, reducing the transaction process by three steps.

Both ‘Tap!’ and QR code payment are essentially barcode payment methods. The main difference between them lies in that QR code payment uses the display screen and camera of a mobile phone, while the ‘Tap!’ function employs near-field communication technology. Once the interaction is completed using the above sensors, the payment will be processed on the network end. Both methods offer the same level of security, and Alipay still promises full compensation.

At present, there are 900 million Android users and 200 million Apple users in China. Alipay’s ‘Tap!’ is accessible in the latest version of the Alipay App for iPhone and Android users.

The ‘Tap!’ function expedites in-store mobile payments for users, greatly improves the efficiency of business operations, and further meets the business needs of different merchants.

For merchants, new users can complete membership registration in three seconds, and members can enjoy member prices and points by using the ‘Tap’ function. It enables merchants to achieve quick cashiering, member loyalty management, and precision marketing. The first cooperative merchants estimate that the new feature has helped them effectively improve their operating efficiency by 10% to 40%.

The relevant cashier equipment for merchants boasts excellent adaptability and compatibility, featuring five main characteristics: suitable for multiple cashiering scenarios in different business types, (both desktop and handheld types are available); compatible with various merchant cashier systems (plug-and-play); adaptable to multiple payment interaction methods, such as the ‘Tap!’ function and QR code payment; compatible with various user mobile phone systems, including Android and iOS; and compatible with payment platforms other than Alipay.

At present, more than 2,300 brands and merchants in six cities in China, including Shanghai, Chengdu, Wuhan, Changsha, Hangzhou, and Fuzhou, have gradually adopted the ‘Tap!’ payment method. Li Jiajia, the vice president of Alipay, said, "The highly prevalent digital infrastructure construction and the rapidly evolving mobile phone industry in China have provided the foundation for continuous payment innovation. Based on this, the innovative 'Tap!' function optimizes and improves the convenience of user payments, presents more business opportunities for merchants' digital operations, and generates new value for users and merchants. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)