Apple has enabled Verizon as a carrier option on its EasyPay retail system, an Apple Store worker tells AppleInsider. A photo of an iPod terminal shows both AT&T and Verizon as options when checking upgrade eligibility. Fetching data from carriers is necessary to offer the most commonly advertised iPhone prices, ranging between $49 and $299, since carriers make them possible via subsidies.
Apple is considering making its new iPod touch-based EasyPay checkout system commercially available, a report claims. The company recently switched to the Touch from older Windows CE technology, pairing it with custom software and a case that doubles as a card reader and barcode scanner. Sources say that Apple has since been approached by a number of parties looking to license the technology, ranging from small businesses up to major retail chains and system integrators.
Apple is reportedly developing a new checkout system based on the iPod touch, according to an ifoAppleStore report posted on AppleInsider. The "EasyPay touch" configuration consists of an iPod case integrating a barcode scanner, additional battery cells and a magnetic stripe reader. The hardware is paired with custom point-of-sale (POS) software.
Apple will take advantage of the support for external hardware in iPhone OS 3.0 to finally replace the Windows Mobile-based EasyPay transaction handhelds at retail stores with iPod touch devices, sources speaking to AppleInsider claim. Once the new firmware is available, the company will reportedly give store staff iPod touch units loaded with custom point-of-sale apps as well as card readers to process the payments. They would also handle the store's Concierge, ordering and other store operations without requiring separate hardware.
