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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: 95 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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Close Name:Guest
Thu Dec 27, 2007 4:22 pm Subject: No line at all

There will not be a line at all, since you can order from anywhere. Well maybe the pickup line.


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Close Name:Guest
Thu Dec 27, 2007 5:48 pm Subject: Would be AWESOME

Walk in with my iPhone, go directly to a table instead of waiting in line, place my order from my iPhone, go and grab it once it's ready. WAY better experience.


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Close Name:Guest
Thu Dec 27, 2007 6:14 pm Subject: Woah, another pickup line?

When did Apple get into the dating service? <grYn>


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Close Name:Guest
Thu Dec 27, 2007 6:15 pm Subject: Re: Woah, another pickup line?

Quote
Anonymous wrote:
When did Apple get into the dating service? <grYn>


Hey, Baby! My Pod or yours?


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Close Name:Guest
Fri Dec 28, 2007 4:58 am Subject:

Is <a href="http://macdailynews.com/index.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.genoco.com%2Flink%2Finteractive_quickOrder.html"> THIS</a> the one they are talking about?


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Close Name:daemon Posts: 343 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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Close Name:Guest
Tue Jan 01, 2008 8:37 am Subject: Lame, useless AND obvious...

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"


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