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Apple Patent Could Cut Shopping Line Waits

by , 1:35 PM EST, December 27th, 2007

Apple's iPhone gives users quick access to information when they are out at coffee shops and other stores, so why not let it bring products, too. That's what Apple is hoping to do with a new patent that lets users order products wirelessly, like a cup of coffee or a sandwhich, and then jump to the front of the line when their order is ready, according to Forbes.

The patent application explains a process where customers can place orders in stores and restaurants wirelessly from a media player, cell phone, or personal digital assistant. In this case, think iPod touch and iPhone.

Once their order is ready, customers will receive an alert on their handheld device. They can then move to the front of the line without having to wait along with the unwashed masses that don't have devices that take advantage of Apple technology.

The Cupertino-based company already has a deal that lets iPhone and iPod touch users purchase music wirelessly from Starbucks Coffee shops. This could be a logic next step in that partnership, and from there it could expand to other partnerships as well.

Observer Comments

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Close Name:rpaege Posts: 70 Joined: 16 Dec 2005
Thu Dec 27, 2007 4:06 pm Subject: next queue

Of course, if enough people do this there will simply be another line created for those picking up their orders. So you will end up with two lines instead of one.


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View Name:Guest
Thu Dec 27, 2007 4:22 pm Subject: No line at all
View Name:Guest
Thu Dec 27, 2007 5:48 pm Subject: Would be AWESOME
View Name:Guest
Thu Dec 27, 2007 6:14 pm Subject: Woah, another pickup line?
View Name:Guest
Thu Dec 27, 2007 6:15 pm Subject: Re: Woah, another pickup line?
View Name:Guest
Fri Dec 28, 2007 4:58 am Subject:
Close Name:daemon Posts: 305 Joined: 17 May 2007
Fri Dec 28, 2007 8:04 am Subject:

Talk about spurious patents.


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Close Name:mchampag Posts: 13 Joined: 28 Jul 2006
Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:59 am Subject: Another line? Not really.

Quote
rpaege wrote:
Of course, if enough people do this there will simply be another line created for those picking up their orders. So you will end up with two lines instead of one.


Except you don't have to stand in line to pick up your drink at Starbucks. Go sit down and read your paper, and they call you when it's ready.

-Matt


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View Name:Guest
Tue Jan 01, 2008 8:37 am Subject: Lame, useless AND obvious...
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