Apple Patent Could Cut Shopping Line Waits
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
Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:59 am Subject: Another line? Not really.
Quoterpaege 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
Too labor intensive for both the cell phone user and the poor order preparer...then they have to match up order to you when you finally show up...and a payment will have to be made AND verified or you ain't leaving the premises, bub!...there is so much more to say...but this is a huge flop. JUST CALL THE COFFEE SHOP, GIVE THEM YOUR ORDER AND PUT IT ON YOUR TAB (OR HAVE YOUR CREDIT/DEBIT CARD ON FILE WITH THEM) FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF COLD COFFEE/DRINKS LEFT TOO LONG AT THE "CHECKOUT" AND PLENTY OF IRRITATED CUSTOMERS UPSET THAT JOE SCHMOE ORDERING FROM HIS CAR CUT AHEAD OF HIM IN LINE…THUMBS DOWN TO THIS "APPLICATION"
Comments are currently closed. Please email the author instead.
Recent Headlines - Updated November 7th
- Fri, 7:45 PM
- Rumor - Taiwan Leak Shows Verizon UTMS/CDMA iPhone for Q3 2010
- 6:40 PM
- News - iPhone Moves Into RadioShack
- 6:30 PM
- News - Apple to Open Stunning Paris Apple Store in Le Louvre on Saturday
- 5:43 PM
- Free on iTunes - Dictionary, Dictionary, Dictionary, And More
- 4:09 PM
- John Martellaro's Blog - Particle Debris (week ending 11/6) Failure IS an Option
- 3:32 PM
- Games - The Latest App Store Games: Gravity Sling, RocketBird, Ground Effect, Checkers!
- 2:25 PM
- Games - Star Soccer 2010 for Mac Puts Gamers in Role of Up-and-Coming Player
- 2:15 PM
- How-To - The Mysteries of Rosetta Housekeeping
- 1:33 PM
- News - iPhone Game Developer Sued for Collecting User’s Cell Numbers
- 1:17 PM
- Games - Warhammer Online Expands Trial Play Option
- 11:19 AM
- Rumor - Apple May Be Bringing RFID to the iPhone
- 10:39 AM
- News - Nokia Could Face Counter Suit from Apple
The Mac Observer Reader Specials
- TypeStyler For Mac OS X is Now Shipping! Download The Free Fully Functional 60 Day Tryout at www.typestyler.com
RamJet Memory: Mac Pro 8-core 8GB Kit $199.99, 4GB Kits $109.99! Sale on MacBook and MacBook Pro 8GB kits $549.99! New MacBook DDR3 2GB for $49.99. iMac and Mac mini 4GB Kits for $79.99! 1TB SATA Hard Drives for $109.99! Click here
OWC: We Make DIY Upgrading Easy! Maximize your Apple MacBook / MacBook Pro. Up to 8.0GB Memory, up to 1.0TB HD & More. Easy Guide + Free, Detailed Installation Videos. Click here
If you're using a Mac, then you've gotta check out Full Tilt Poker for Mac. This Full Tilt Poker bonus code does the unthinkable, it actually rewards!For the latest Apple products use Ciao, a price comparison website, to find laptops like MacBook Air. Then find the best prices on MP3 players and use our comparison tool to evaluate mobile phones like the Apple iPhone.
Laptop Hardware Provided by TechRestore - Overnight Mac & iPod Repairs.
