Apple’s New iPod touch-Based EasyPay System Explained
Image Credit: AppleInsider.com
Finally, Apple is beginning the roll-out of its iPod touch-based payment and checkout system for retail stores. According to an exclusive report over at AppleInsider, the Mac maker will begin retiring its current Windows CE-based devices and implementing the new system within a couple of weeks.
The device is an entirely new iPod touch, custom designed for point-of-sale (POS) usage. It features a magnetic stripe reader, an advanced barcode scanner, and Apple’s own proprietary software for processing payments. The new system allows for payment by credit, debit and cash, and includes features that allow for making returns, too.
The EasyPay touch, as the device is being called, was made possible thanks to the introduction of hardware device support via the dock connector. The extended case that surrounds the basic iPod touch contains sleep and volume control buttons, a mini-USB connector for charging, and a rechargeable battery to power the card reader and barcode scanner.
Things that the EasyPay touch can’t do (yes, even it isn’t a miracle worker) include divvying up payment between two or more debit or credit cards, or paying by checks and processing cash returns. These transactions will continue to be handled by more traditional computer-based POS systems.
The roll-out of the new EasyPay touch system will include more than just a change in the hardware used for processing transactions. According to AppleInsider, Apple is aware that many customers find its non-traditional check out systems to be somewhat confusing, so attempts will be made to make it more clear when and where store guests can pay for their purchases.
While there are no plans currently to extend the payment system beyond the confines of Apple’s retail store, it’s impossible not to think about how such an elegant and simple system might appeal to other retailers as well. Should Apple ever decide to license the tech, I’m sure there will be at least a few major companies out there interested in pursuing such an agreement.
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Matt J on November 3rd, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Wonder if it works outside the US. Does it support chip and pin for instance?
joejoetheidiotpet on November 3rd, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Apple is one of the greatest companies for innovation.
James Burton on November 4th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
“The device is an entirely new iPod touch, custom designed for point-of-sale (POS) usage.”
Correction, It’s a same old standard iPod touch, connected to an accessory that provides the POS features.
Check out the other pictures on Apple Insider, the iPod Touch connects to the custom designed accessory using the dock connector.
PS3 on November 6th, 2009 at 6:37 am
looks like we soon have an iRobot which will help us in every sphere. hail to Apple!
r4 dsi on November 11th, 2009 at 5:26 am
I have a 2G i phone i had downloaded the latest update 3.1 i think from i tunes not knowing the problem of not to download it but then once i did it locked my i phone only displaying the emergency pad is there a way for me to unlock it and i do not have a Sim card i just want to use it as an i pod right now not as a phone
Mike on November 17th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Thats a great idea! Lets see what apple will think of next…