Apple’s newest patent promises tasty innovations
Though watching Apple’s ever-forthcoming patents can get a little disappointing, as many ideas go by the wayside, its latest patent suggests a delectable bit of innovation in the near future. The newest patent describes a way for users to utilize an Apple mobile device to order something in-store remotely.
Apple and Starbucks seem to be happy bed buddies; imagine loading a Starbucks application on your iPhone or iTouch that allows you to order your triple shot espresso and grande caramel macchiato before you even get to the Starbucks location. Then imagine passing by the line and picking up your specified item in front of all the rest of the waiting caffeine-aholics.
That, according to Forbes, is what the new patent could mean. Starbucks is just an exemplary retailer; the patent could allow for an application that lists out supported retailers, like restaurants or other establishments, from which users could quickly order any item they choose and then receive a notification when the item is prepared.I don’t think software like this is out of the question for a company like Apple; with a few connections to the right large companies like McDonalds, Starbucks, etc., users could order up a tasty burrito from Chipotle during their lunch break on the way to the store’s location. Payment could be submitted via the same program, and all the user would have to do is provide some sort of order number and grab their to-go bag.
If, in fact, Apple does begin implementing this sort of software innovation, they will continue to grab the hearts, minds, and most importantly, pocketbooks of consumers across the globe.
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December 29th, 2007
They haven’t even implemented it yet and they have my vote.
February 17th, 2008
We don’t need to go to restaurants in the Philippines to get our orders. They’re delivered by motorcycle boys right at our doorsteps. In any event, the program can be used to make the orders, instead of our having to call a central restaurant number. But what’s the difference between making a call and thumbing it into a phone? Very little.
November 5th, 2009
They already have one for pizza hut, because I already have it!