Overview of Apple's New iPod Touch-Based EasyPay Retail Store Checkout System

[MacRumors]

ifoAppleStore's Gary Allen posts a preview at AppleInsider of Apple's new iPod touch-based EasyPay checkout system for its retail stores. The preview comes after last week's news that Apple is beginning the process of rolling out the new devices to replace the existing Windows CE-based EasyPay handheld systems.

The new iPod-touch based system consists of an integrated hard plastic shell housing the iPod touch, a magnetic stripe reader for credit cards and a barcode scanner for scanning product information. The shell also includes a hidden rechargeable battery to power the auxiliary hardware.




Barcode Scanner and Magnetic Stripe Reader
Credit card transactions will reportedly be handled entirely on the EasyPay device, with customers using a stylus to enter their signature electronically on the iPod touch.




Debit customers will need to swipe their cards and enter their PIN numbers at separate terminals located throughout the stores, but the remainder of the checkout process can be handled on the EasyPay device. Cash transactions using the EasyPay device will be rolled out at selected stores over the next six months and will allow sales associates to use the EasyPay system to electronically access any of several cash drawers scattered about the store to complete transactions.

iPhone purchasing and activation has also reportedly been integrated into the new system, allowing sales associates to enter customers' calling plan and add-on selections and permit customers to review and sign the terms and conditions required for iPhone purchases. The system can also be used to process many returns, locating purchase records via the barcode on the customer's receipt, product serial number, customer e-mail address, or credit/debit card number and generating a credit to the customer's account.

Article Link: Overview of Apple's New iPod Touch-Based EasyPay Retail Store Checkout System

[Kilamite]

Pretty nifty - the enclosure is a bit fugly though..

[jayducharme]

the enclosure is a bit fugly though

Agreed. Why not machined aluminum?

I wonder if Apple will consider marketing this system to other businesses?

[Mattie Num Nums]

Very nice!

Those WinMo ones they had were a pain in the butt to use. I remember when they first asked us to start using them

[daddywags214]

I'm guessing the plastic is necessary for the magnetic card reader to work. It is ugly, but it's also probably designed to take a lot of abuse and be replaced cheaply. Cool idea! The best thing ever to be associated with Windows CE was the Dreamcast.

[skate71290]

Originally Posted by daddywags214

I'm guessing the plastic is necessary for the magnetic card reader to work. It is ugly, but it's also probably designed to take a lot of abuse and be replaced cheaply. Cool idea! The best thing ever to be associated with Windows CE was the Dreamcast.

i don't get it... i went to the Apple Store to purchase an iPod Shuffle... on the old systems this Apple Store person asked me which one i wanted... got it out scanned it with a handheld device (presume this is the Windows CE?)... entered my Card and Chip and Pin on the device (no signature) and she even emailed my receipt.... and the new devices don't accept chip and pin? think it is a step back.. unless the swipe card is American only?

[Bubba Satori]

Originally Posted by skate71290

i don't get it... i went to the Apple Store to purchase an iPod Shuffle... on the old systems this Apple Store person asked me which one i wanted... got it out scanned it with a handheld device (presume this is the Windows CE?)... entered my Card and Chip and Pin on the device (no signature) and she even emailed my receipt.... and the new devices don't accept chip and pin? think it is a step back.. unless the swipe card is American only?

No, it's a step forward because it's made by Apple, even though functionally, it might be a step backward. It certainly needs to be more stylish, thinner and lighter. Oh, snap.

[aristobrat]

Originally Posted by skate71290

and the new devices don't accept chip and pin? think it is a step back.. unless the swipe card is American only?

My guess is that the swipe thing is for countries that don't use chip and pin, like America.

Most Americans have never heard of chip and pin, so that's probably why it wasn't mentioned in the article.

Originally Posted by notjustjay

Fair enough. I don't know how it works for a large merchant, but I know for a small business like the one I volunteer with, we sign up for an account with a payment processing service (we use Global Payments) and they offer us a choice from a couple of different hardware units depending on our specific needs.

Ah, that would definitely make life easier (having the processor give you a choice). I wonder if they give the bigger merchants more leeway, since the merchants need the terminals to integrate directly with their POS systems and such?

[eawmp1]

Finally an Apple solution for the Apple Store. Nice to see you CAN do business without Windows.

[MvdM]

Originally Posted by eawmp1

Finally an Apple solution for the Apple Store. Nice to see you CAN do business without Windows.

Did they really have to use Windows before? How sad is that. If I were Apple I NEVER would use Windows in ANY part of my store.

[OllyW]

Originally Posted by MvdM

Did they really have to use Windows before? How sad is that. If I were Apple I NEVER would use Windows in ANY part of my store.

Why not if it was the best tool for the job at the time?

[blahblah100]

Originally Posted by eawmp1

Finally an Apple solution for the Apple Store. Nice to see you CAN do business without Windows.

Really, Apple does business without using Windows? I guess this explains the bootcamp driver quality. I've always thought they seemed untested. You, sir, have confirmed. Thank you.

[MacFly123]

Originally Posted by Kilamite

Pretty nifty - the enclosure is a bit fugly though..

Originally Posted by jayducharme

Agreed. Why not machined aluminum?

I wonder if Apple will consider marketing this system to other businesses?

Originally Posted by eawmp1

Finally an Apple solution for the Apple Store. Nice to see you CAN do business without Windows.

Yup. Interesting. It is really ugly though lol! They could have just sculpted the case a little more nicely, but oh well.

I was in an Apple store last weekend and I asked one of the workers when they were going to get rid of the Windows pay things and switch to iPod Touch terminals. He proceeded to act like I was on crack and asked me... "Which would you rather steel, that ugly Windows check out, or Apple's stuff?" I then told him that I had heard that they would be switching to iPod Touch because of all the problems. He then asked where I heard that, and stated that he hadn't heard anything. He was acting very insulting to me. I asked, don't you ever see the rumors? He said, "Oh... Rumors haha". I replied that I don't listen to all rumors, but I use my logic based on information and that I have over 90% accuracy in predicting what Apple does and that everyone I know talks to me before buying anything Apple because I can tell them when to buy and when new things will be out. He laughed again, and tested me, "Ok, what's next?" I told him these iPod Touch checkouts would come soon and there would be no new products until after the holidays.... (This was before Apple issued an official statement days after, that there would be no new products this year)! I asked him, "Didn't you know about these new iMacs and MacBooks and the Magic Mouse?" He said he didn't know a thing until they showed up in the store. I told him I knew about them all for a couple months before they were announced.

Point is, I WAS RIGHT, and that arrogant little prick at the Apple store has to have had me pop into his mind now with these Touch terminals coming out, and he can EAT IT!!!!

[CFreymarc]

Originally Posted by MacFly123

Yup. Interesting. It is really ugly though lol! They could have just sculpted the case a little more nicely, but oh well.

I was in an Apple store last weekend and I asked one of the workers when they were going to get rid of the Windows pay things and switch to iPod Touch terminals. He proceeded to act like I was on crack and asked me... "Which would you rather steel, that ugly Windows check out, or Apple's stuff?" I then told him that I had heard that they would be switching to iPod Touch because of all the problems. He then asked where I heard that, and stated that he hadn't heard anything. He was acting very insulting to me. I asked, don't you ever see the rumors? He said, "Oh... Rumors haha". I replied that I don't listen to all rumors, but I use my logic based on information and that I have over 90% accuracy in predicting what Apple does and that everyone I know talks to me before buying anything Apple because I can tell them when to buy and when new things will be out. He laughed again, and tested me, "Ok, what's next?" I told him these iPod Touch checkouts would come soon and there would be no new products until after the holidays.... (This was before Apple issued an official statement days after, that there would be no new products this year)! I asked him, "Didn't you know about these new iMacs and MacBooks and the Magic Mouse?" He said he didn't know a thing until they showed up in the store. I told him I knew about them all for a couple months before they were announced.

Point is, I WAS RIGHT, and that arrogant little prick at the Apple store has to have had me pop into his mind now with these Touch terminals coming out, and he can EAT IT!!!!

Be curious to see what Apple store it was. When every I see some Apple jerks like that, I just show them a pick of myself and Woz from a few years ago. That nips them in the butt and shuts them down quick.

[the vj]

Originally Posted by jayducharme

I wonder if Apple will consider marketing this system to other businesses?

Of course!

Apple has less market share than Microsoft just because Microsoft focus in industries that Apple does not. But in the desing business Apple has a mayor share than Microsoft.

What Apple is trying to do is to enter in the retail market and filtrate corporations from there starting with the point of purchase.

[alec]

Nifty, but how many vendors would really be on board for this?

[Cromulent]

Wow, do people still sign for things when paying by credit card? I thought that had gone the way of the dodo years ago.

[Detlev]

Originally Posted by alec

Nifty, but how many vendors would really be on board for this?

Meaning, how many businesses would want and use this? Don't know but I do know the company I work for has been hoping for exactly this. Hopefully a version of this will become available to us soon.

[840quadra]

Originally Posted by alec

Nifty, but how many vendors would really be on board for this?

The intended customer for this device are the Apple Retail stores. I would imagine they could roll it out as as an actual business product down the road.

™

[The Samurai]

Originally Posted by alec

Nifty, but how many vendors would really be on board for this?

All Apple stores will have to comply with the new Touch pay devices. Third party companies won't be obliged to use this new Touch device.

Looks pretty nice though, current system can take long to process payments. Speed bump is always welcome

[scottness]

Originally Posted by jayducharme

Agreed. Why not machined aluminum?

I wonder if Apple will consider marketing this system to other businesses?

That'd be nice. I know a few people who would be interested.

[Singin Hobo]

Wow, this is long over-due... those clunkers they've been using are a pain.

I too am on board for a version of this offered to small business customers on the iPhone. It's an awesome looking device.

[Cubert]

Stylus? I thought the touchscreen wouldn't work with a stylus.

[jweinraub]

Originally Posted by Cubert

Stylus? I thought the touchscreen wouldn't work with a stylus.

They already make styluses for iPhone/iPod Touch. You simply can't use one that is plastic. You need one that is metal that can simulate the electrical stimulus your finger possess.

[Xavier]

Interesting idea. Maybe this will help unclog the already overcrowded Apple store here in Columbus.

Had a hard time getting to the Genius for my battery repair last time I was there.