These are the first units rolled out, not far from prototypes. There is no reason that a version 2.0 could be rolled out that is able to read the Euro style "chip" credit card. If you notice that the rollout and testing was being done in the usa does it not make sense that they are focusing on their current real world use.
As Marvin stated, they would utilize the hybrid system like they do for debit cards (which also require a pin). In Canada at least, we can still use the magnetic strips is a chip reader isn't present.
Debit cards have been around a long time. If they can't do that from the iPod touch, there must be limitations on how the card information and pin is transmitted and verified. Someone else has already suggested that. While I would love an all-in-one system, the fact that it lacks full debit card functionality (more so than the lack of a chip reader) doesn't make that prospect look very promising.
Yes- that is what usually occurs when technology advances 5 years later.
The Symbol/EasyPay system was actually clunky for its time. Not sure what Apple was thinking there, although, they are definitely the contrast gainer now. But, tech advance and elegance are not necessarily the same thing.
Was the software developed in-house? It doesn't have that "Apple" look to it.
What is up with the "iForgot" button? This thing was written by clowns. The kind of people who don't pay attention to details, which is needed for reliable software. On the basis of that one button, I predict a buggy failure, with queues of frustrated customers over the holiday season.
Why didn't they just hire the guys who wrote the Red Laser app (one of my favorite apps and always in the TOp 10) to just rework it for the store exclusively? Then they could use the iPhone itself to check you out. It would also advertise that the iPhone does something really productive - live.
I have to say that I've *never* heard this before though:
Typically, customers in an Apple store only use the easy pay by means of an employee of the store approaching them and saying "I can do that for you right here if you like." I've never heard of anyone being confused about it.
Until some enterprising crook puts on a color t shirt, a fake apple id card and his own version of pay me system that literally pays him.
AppleConnect is the in-house POS/timecard/etc. network system. the iForgot button is, IIRC, on all AppleConnect "terminals", for resetting your password. so, it would make sense that it is also on the new EasyPay system.
and yes, it's developed in-house by Apple.
That surprises me. Mind you Xcode is also developed in-house and (with the exception of Interface Builder) does not have the Apple feel. I guess it comes down to which projects the CEO takes an interest in and which not.
I have to say that I've *never* heard this before though:
Typically, customers in an Apple store only use the easy pay by means of an employee of the store approaching them and saying "I can do that for you right here if you like." I've never heard of anyone being confused about it.
Does msft devices really way 5 times more? I've felt the ez pay and it's not to heavy but it's but light either, So I can't imagine 5 times heavier.
Does msft devices really way 5 times more? I've felt the ez pay and it's not to heavy but it's but light either, So I can't imagine 5 times heavier.
Peace
Well, I haven't seen them, but, if they (MSFT) are printing receipts, say a 3" thermal printer with the device attached to it, it could be pretty heavy. That's ok, though, you just grab a couple and use them as dumbbells when it's slow.
I have to say that I've *never* heard this before though:
Typically, customers in an Apple store only use the easy pay by means of an employee of the store approaching them and saying "I can do that for you right here if you like." I've never heard of anyone being confused about it.
I could see some nefarious people slipping on a black t-shirt, and adding a card skimmer to their iPod touch, and hanging around Apple stores.
As someone with (too much) knowledge of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), I take an unhealthy interest in how card payment systems can be subverted.
I presume end-to-end solution is PCI DSS compliant. It would be intereting to know what security Apple has in place...
On another note: will Apple be doing a Chip'n'PIN version for all the Apple Stores outside of N America?
If they were as bad as you state Apple would surely not have utilized them for 4 years. Good grief!
As a former Apple Retail employee, I assure you that although EasyPay is a fantastic idea, the devices were complete crap. Whereas the POS stations are bullet proof, the EasyPay devices crash frequently and are a real pain to carry around. Every employee has been praying for the day that the iPodTouch would replace them.
For the first time, cash transactions can be accepted by any Apple store employee who has an iPod touch. After entering all the products and totaling the cost, the employee presses an on-screen "Cash" button to electronically open one of several cash drawers installed around the store.
Let the thievery begin!
Btw, POS is a very fitting acronym because usually that's what they are. POS.
So what if I want to sign paper?! I never sign those digital signature screens! Who knows how securely or not your signature is. Identity theft is on the rise...
This looks super cool, indeed. I wonder if they and accompanying software will be rolled out for the general public. At this point the entire system looks a lot nicer than the one in the works by the Twitter guy.
Does anybody know what the purpose of the small symbol (blue circle with a white arrow) in the lower right corner of the EasyPay application icon on the home screen is?
I haven´t seen it before and in case it´s really not in use yet, wouldn´t it be a smart way of signaling "return to application currently running in the background"?
So what if I want to sign paper?! I never sign those digital signature screens! Who knows how securely or not your signature is. Identity theft is on the rise...
My signature isn't legible on those things anyway. It looks nothing like it does on paper.
Comments
These are the first units rolled out, not far from prototypes. There is no reason that a version 2.0 could be rolled out that is able to read the Euro style "chip" credit card. If you notice that the rollout and testing was being done in the usa does it not make sense that they are focusing on their current real world use.
As Marvin stated, they would utilize the hybrid system like they do for debit cards (which also require a pin). In Canada at least, we can still use the magnetic strips is a chip reader isn't present.
Debit cards have been around a long time. If they can't do that from the iPod touch, there must be limitations on how the card information and pin is transmitted and verified. Someone else has already suggested that. While I would love an all-in-one system, the fact that it lacks full debit card functionality (more so than the lack of a chip reader) doesn't make that prospect look very promising.
Yes- that is what usually occurs when technology advances 5 years later.
The Symbol/EasyPay system was actually clunky for its time. Not sure what Apple was thinking there, although, they are definitely the contrast gainer now. But, tech advance and elegance are not necessarily the same thing.
Was the software developed in-house? It doesn't have that "Apple" look to it.
What is up with the "iForgot" button? This thing was written by clowns. The kind of people who don't pay attention to details, which is needed for reliable software. On the basis of that one button, I predict a buggy failure, with queues of frustrated customers over the holiday season.
Why didn't they just hire the guys who wrote the Red Laser app (one of my favorite apps and always in the TOp 10) to just rework it for the store exclusively? Then they could use the iPhone itself to check you out. It would also advertise that the iPhone does something really productive - live.
Great overview and an interesting device.
I have to say that I've *never* heard this before though:
Typically, customers in an Apple store only use the easy pay by means of an employee of the store approaching them and saying "I can do that for you right here if you like." I've never heard of anyone being confused about it.
Until some enterprising crook puts on a color t shirt, a fake apple id card and his own version of pay me system that literally pays him.
Probable? No! Possible? Yes!
AppleConnect is the in-house POS/timecard/etc. network system. the iForgot button is, IIRC, on all AppleConnect "terminals", for resetting your password. so, it would make sense that it is also on the new EasyPay system.
and yes, it's developed in-house by Apple.
That surprises me. Mind you Xcode is also developed in-house and (with the exception of Interface Builder) does not have the Apple feel. I guess it comes down to which projects the CEO takes an interest in and which not.
Great overview and an interesting device.
I have to say that I've *never* heard this before though:
Typically, customers in an Apple store only use the easy pay by means of an employee of the store approaching them and saying "I can do that for you right here if you like." I've never heard of anyone being confused about it.
Does msft devices really way 5 times more? I've felt the ez pay and it's not to heavy but it's but light either, So I can't imagine 5 times heavier.
Peace
That surprises me. Mind you Xcode is also developed in-house and (with the exception of Interface Builder) does not have the Apple feel.
Well, Xcode still retains a good bit of the NeXTStep feel, which has mostly been eradicated elsewhere in Mac OS.
Does msft devices really way 5 times more? I've felt the ez pay and it's not to heavy but it's but light either, So I can't imagine 5 times heavier.
Peace
Well, I haven't seen them, but, if they (MSFT) are printing receipts, say a 3" thermal printer with the device attached to it, it could be pretty heavy. That's ok, though, you just grab a couple and use them as dumbbells when it's slow.
Next year over half the stores they open are outside the US and they have made a significant investment in a POS device without a chip reader?!!!
It would be a very simply matter to develop & add it to the case, if it has not already been developed.
The software package to do the actual transactions would have been the "difficult" part.
The chip has not caught on yet in the states so likely thats not why it is shown/included.
Great overview and an interesting device.
I have to say that I've *never* heard this before though:
Typically, customers in an Apple store only use the easy pay by means of an employee of the store approaching them and saying "I can do that for you right here if you like." I've never heard of anyone being confused about it.
I could see some nefarious people slipping on a black t-shirt, and adding a card skimmer to their iPod touch, and hanging around Apple stores.
As someone with (too much) knowledge of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), I take an unhealthy interest in how card payment systems can be subverted.
I presume end-to-end solution is PCI DSS compliant. It would be intereting to know what security Apple has in place...
On another note: will Apple be doing a Chip'n'PIN version for all the Apple Stores outside of N America?
If they were as bad as you state Apple would surely not have utilized them for 4 years. Good grief!
As a former Apple Retail employee, I assure you that although EasyPay is a fantastic idea, the devices were complete crap. Whereas the POS stations are bullet proof, the EasyPay devices crash frequently and are a real pain to carry around. Every employee has been praying for the day that the iPodTouch would replace them.
For the first time, cash transactions can be accepted by any Apple store employee who has an iPod touch. After entering all the products and totaling the cost, the employee presses an on-screen "Cash" button to electronically open one of several cash drawers installed around the store.
Let the thievery begin!
Btw, POS is a very fitting acronym because usually that's what they are. POS.
Every employee has been praying for the day that the iPodTouch would replace them.
Keep on praying then.
I haven´t seen it before and in case it´s really not in use yet, wouldn´t it be a smart way of signaling "return to application currently running in the background"?
So what if I want to sign paper?!
My signature isn't legible on those things anyway. It looks nothing like it does on paper.