Square launches voice AI ordering kiosk for subscribed businesses
Square has introduced an ordering kiosk that combines a touchscreen with a voice-based AI assistant. The company says customers can speak naturally to ask about menu items and request changes, offering businesses another way to handle orders.
The 21.5-inch screen can welcome customers using presence detection, and payment is accepted by contactless reader or card slot. The kiosk is available now for $1,999 to businesses with a Square Plus or Premium subscription, plus a monthly software fee of $99 per device.
- Square’s new kiosk lets customers order by speaking to AI.
- It has a 21.5-inch touchscreen and accepts card payments.
- It costs $1,999 plus $99 monthly per device.
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Square is a payments and business software company whose tools are used by shops, cafés and restaurants to take payments and manage sales. Its services include point-of-sale systems, which let businesses record orders and payments.
Ordering kiosks let customers place orders themselves, often by tapping options on a screen. Some businesses use them to manage queues or give staff more time for other tasks; voice assistants add the option to ask questions or request changes by speaking.
The kiosk is offered to businesses already paying for Square’s Plus or Premium plans, with additional equipment and software costs. Its appeal will depend on whether businesses find the voice and touchscreen options useful for their customers and operations.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The kiosk could give customers a convenient way to ask questions and customise orders while helping businesses manage queues and staff time. For businesses already using Square, the integrated ordering and payment system may be worth the upfront and monthly costs if it increases order capacity or improves service.
The case against
A voice assistant may misunderstand requests or make ordering less comfortable for customers who prefer human help, raising concerns about accuracy and accessibility. The $1,999 purchase price, subscription requirement and $99 monthly fee could also be difficult to justify for smaller businesses, especially if the kiosk does not generate enough extra sales or savings.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Square’s new kiosk lets you talk to AI for help with your order”.