Apple has filed for a patent that would provide a wireless LAN-type system that targets retail shopping specifically if approved. The “wireless communication system” patent is tipped to receive a remote order from a wireless client before prepping it for processing. It will then transfer that order to a different queue for processing. Customers can place their orders via a “wireless media player, a wireless personal digital assistant, [or] a cellphone.” Should this shopping idea take off, will there be a need for front line staff sometime down the road? I think that the human touch is still important, although others who prefer convenience will gladly skip the waiting in long queues as well as employees who have woken up on the wrong side of the bed.
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