Apple Considering Commercializing New iPod Touch EasyPay System?

ifoAppleStore reports that Apple is considering commercializing its new iPod touch-based EasyPay retail store checkout system. The move comes as the company, which had intended for the system to remain proprietary, has been "deluged" with inquiries from parties interested in adopting the technology.

Since the debut of the iPod POS, inquires have been coming from all directions, including from end-user small businesses, larger chains and system integrators. Until now, Apple's response has been that the iPod POS is a proprietary product, unavailable for sale.

But now, tipsters say, Apple retail executives have asked the retail store business specialists to collect contact information from anyone who inquires about the iPod touch system, apparently to create a database of potential customers if Apple decides to commercialize the product.

The EasyPay system is composed of an iPod touch running custom point-of-sale software housed within a hard plastic shell integrating the device with a barcode scanner and magnetic stripe reader, as well as a rechargeable battery to power the auxiliary hardware. Apple began rolling out the new devices to its retail stores earlier this month, replacing the previous Windows CE-based systems used by its employees.