A simple barcode scanner could be built into the card, rather like those used for rapid VCR programming. Customers could use these to automate their shopping lists, scanning in items around the kitchen that they need to replace, or making lists of store based items to enhance the speed of remote internet shopping. With a scanner, a store could also issue full catalogues of their items with barcodes alongside, or simple numbers that could be typed into the smart-card. As the customer walks into the store, they could hand over the smart card with the shopping list, and relax in the restaurant while a picker collects the groceries. This experience might compete favourably with shopping from home, since it outsources the dull routine purchases but allows the customer to be personally involved in fussing over other choices.
Smart cards are only one platform on which such services can be based.
In the next few years, we will see an explosion in the range of mobile gadgetry available, with many combinations of mobile phone, computer, displays, transceivers and sensors. Some of these may be dedicated to shopping, with many services on board and others available via mobile internet access. Calling line Identity Using the telephone and a built in tone generator, the shopping list alternatively be uploaded automatically over the phone line by the smart card, so that the goods can be ordered and delivered with the minimum of human intervention. The phone network automatically provides calling line identity, and this enables the store to identify the customer, with their address and credit card details etc. The smart card would also issue a safeguard code.