Apple files patent application to use iPhone to purchase “to-go” items - no more waiting in line

It seems Steve Jobs may be just as tired of waiting in long-lines at the local Starbucks as we are. Wouldn’t it be great if we could use our media player or cellphone to wirelessly order a cup of coffee ahead of time and simply stroll into the brick-and-mortor shop to pick up our cup of joe. Well, good, ole’ Stevie is on it. Apple just filed a patent application on December 20 for a method whereby a media player, PDA, or cellphone could be used to place a wireless-order at a particular store - doing away with the dreaded “queue.”

iPhone users are already able to wirelessly download music from iTunes’ catalogue at all Starbucks locations, and this technolofy would take the Apple-Starbucks relationship to the next step. USPTO patent application #20070291710 outlines a system that is capable of logging orders and notifying the customer when the order is ready for pick-up. The system would also track customers’ shopping habits and purchases.

Customers might tap a button to order their favorite drink, say a double-shot mocha, as they stroll up to the nearest coffee shop. When the drink is ready go to, the device–such as an iPhone–would chime or blink to let the thirsty one know it’s time to scoop up the order at the counter.

The iPhone may be set to take on a new role - transitioning from a cellphone/media player phenom into a life-assistant for your daily activities. We’ll have to wait and see just what Apple does with this new technology.  A patent application doesn’t necessarily mean that Apple will be putting the new tech into their future lineup, but if it does pan out, we couldn’t be happier. There’s nothing worse than waiting in line (trust us, we know a thing or two about lines).

[Via: Forbes]