14 DAY TRIAL // On Tuesday, Apple’s mobile retail store initiative is set to launch an iPhone app dedicated to allowing quick access to store information, technical specs, the Concierge reservation system, and the ability to make reservations for purchasing the new iPhone 4 in-store. The application is to be installed on the iPod touch-based point-of-sale (POS) system, which Apple debuted in November 2009.
Application features might also include the ability to scan barcodes off product packaging, the ability to sense the presence of a visitor’s iPhone and to make automatic Genius Bar appointment check-ins, and the ability to send product announcements to the iPhones of store passersby, although at a later time, ifoAppleStore reports.
The source adds that several Apple patents and trends in mobile finance indicate that Apple’s portables will end up being used to make product purchases within the stores, replacing cash, and credit and debit cards.
Last year, Apple revealed plans to allow software applications running under iPhone OS 3.0 to utilize external hardware that had previously been incompatible with the device. Following the move, the company started phasing out its Windows-based portable computers in exchange for customized iPod touches to wirelessly process customer credit and debit cards. The method was to allow all Apple-store employees to accept cash for purchases.
The current EasyPay Touch system handles not only credit, debit and cash transactions, but also certain product returns. When doing purchases with a credit card, customers write their signature on the iPod touch using a stylus.
In related news, Apple has announced new camp sessions for kids aged 8-12 at its retail stores. The Camp spans three days and introduces attendees to the basics of moviemaking on the Mac, preparing them for shooting footage in various conditions, and ending with showcasing their creation at a film festival.