14 DAY TRIAL // ifoAppleStore has confirmed that Apple is now switching to iPod touch for customer checkout at its retail stores. The source earlier revealed that Apple had decided to make a few adjustments with its retail establishments and the employees in charge with selling its products. Changes not only include the replacing of EasyPay portable computers with iPod touch devices connected to an advanced scanner accessory, but also a switch to “less confusing” uniforms.
The latest developments in Apple’s retail organizations include the dumping of the current Windows-based portable computers in exchange for “customized iPod touch devices to wirelessly process customer credit and debit cards and, for the first time, to allow all employees to accept cash for purchases,” ifoAppleStore, the source dealing exclusively with Apple-retail-store topics, reveals.
“According to information reviewed by IFO, Apple has designed and manufactured a slip-on plastic shell for the touch that combines a magnetic stripe reader and advanced barcode reader,” the report continues to reveal. “The EasyPay touch will run Apple-developed point-of-sale software that is specific to Apple stores, including special screens to make iPhone purchases easier and quicker. The new system will allow credit card purchases to be made directly on the touch, but debit card transactions will require customers to enter their PIN on the existing desktop POS terminals,” the site explains.
Staffers will reportedly be able to accept cash through an electronic link-up to cash drawers. The site directs readers to AppleInsider, which has more details on the new EasyPay touch system, as well as imagery depicting the “EasyPay touch” devices. Softpedia took the liberty of posting one of the images as well (above).
According to AppleInsider, the current solutions employed by Apple are made by Symbol Technologies Inc. The systems run Windows CE, linked to Apple's servers via Wi-Fi. Introduced just before the holiday buying season in 2005, the devices allow any employee to act as a cashier. However, complaints from employees about software crashes, sluggish operations and the need to frequently reboot have prompted Apple to take steps and implement its own solutions.