The iPhone - your waitress?

[Kyle Matthews]

Walk into Starbucks/McDonalds/etc, pull out your iPhone, tap your order onto the screen, and wait for the notification that your order is ready for pickup.

Apple has a patent pending for a new wireless system which allows consumers to place their order from a wireless device, such as your iPhone, and receive a notification on the device when the order is ready for pickup.

The system would be integrated with some sort of payment system as well, word on that isn't clear. Perhaps some sort of online wallet-type application to hold your billing info, perhaps directly into iTunes. No word yet on when this would be rolled out, but its an interesting future. End goal of all this "innovation"? Never have to talk to anyone ever again... sigh.

Forbes.

[Eurisko]

I thought you were referring to the French program where waiters/waitresses use iPhones to place their orders. I read about this aswell, one step closer to the uber ID concept.

[DoerrFan]

I read this, really exciting although 1st Gen iPhone will probably not have it. Probably show up first in Starbucks, AT&T, and Apple stores.

[swissrope]

happy, that apple will be the only one to advance this new market. I mean to be succsessful with this. I like apple and I like burgers aswell. So thanks apple to get them combined!

[DeusInvictus7]

yeah...hopefully the network they have it set on performs well on edge...cuz i am not gonna sign onto the wifi at places like mcdonalds and starbucks just so i can order lol...might as well go up to the counter

but then again there are those solitary people that dont like being around anybody...so maybe this was aimed toward them? lol jk

[Kyle Matthews]

Ah I'm betting it will be a specific WiFi SSID or protocol which the iPhone/device will automatically know to look for and latch onto when in range, assuming you have the purchasing application/system on your device. Wouldn't make sense to require a data plan with a cell phone carrier, think broader (why not order from your iPod Touch as well? ).

[Jodiedicie]

End goal of all this "innovation"? Never have to talk to anyone ever again... sigh.

Sad, but true

[Eurisko]

Sad, but true

The way customer service is nowadays, I'd just assume place my order electronically. Most people in the customer service industry don't want to be there, and they let it show. And coming from that background, I don't blame them. Customers can be disrespectful, ignorant and downright nasty.

[Jodiedicie]

The way customer service is nowadays, I'd just assume place my order electronically. Most people in the customer service industry don't want to be there, and they let it show. And coming from that background, I don't blame them. Customers can be disrespectful, ignorant and downright nasty.

I agree with that 120%!

[kys]

Hope all will be secure. Well there goes the Starbucks gift card.

[ultimatexpka]

if this will be on the second gen iphone, i wouldnt really carry because the programers will find a way to port it on the first gen iphone

[redcard]

It'll just be a web app, it'll work on any iphone

[bluaeon]

maybe this will be included in one of the updates... who knows?

this also means that you cant wink at your buddy who works at McD's to give extra burgers or fries and such if you use this way to order. hehe

[oOXDreadXOo]

The iPhone - your waitress?

Greeeaaat….. sooo how would you tip your iPhone? By putting money on your iTunes account?

[LeathaFace]

One word..........WOW!

[mugen]

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/no-more-l...ons-300624.php
http://www.intomobile.com/2007/09/15...ile-phone.html

I think Korea is already have been working on this.

[skydad]

Does mean there is a chance that your order will come out correctly at McDonalds?

[chrisiphone]

Does mean there is a chance that your order will come out correctly at McDonalds?

LOL!!! Ya, that'd be nice. My order always get messed up.

[yowiphone]

thats cool