Apple has applied for a patent on a wireless e-commerce application that would allow customers to place orders from a properly equipped device. Basic concept seems to be that once you came within range of a store outfitted with the necessary receiving equipment, your iPhone or iPod would let you know. You'd use the screen to order a latte, onion rings, fresh underwear or whatever and then head straight to the pickup counter, bypassing the checkout line. As if iPhone owners needed extra impetus to act all smug and superior.
Speculation is the system would mainly be used with quick-transaction outlets like Starbucks, with whom Apple already has an iPhone music deal. But I can think of plenty of retail arrangement that would be improved by such a system. Any forward-thinking car dealers out there?
Apple's Piping Hot Innovation [Forbes]
