Concept iShop incorporates iPhone into grocery shopping experience

By Kelly Montgomery November 10, 2011

Every day it seems that someone around the world thinks of a new way to incorporate an Apple product into another aspect of life, and we have to say there have been some pretty great ideas. Today we see another such idea that’s only in concept form, but one that could help anyone with an iPhone have a better shopping experience at the grocery store. The iShop was thought up by Wooyong Lee and aims to improve the shopping experience of every different kind of shopper, including “the pro,” “the wanderer,” and “the run-in.” The design includes a specially-designed shopping cart handle with button controls and a slot for the iPhone, as well as an iShop app.

Taking several common shopping problems into account, Lee designed a functional shopping cart handle as well as an app that would help shoppers find what they need, stay on budget, keep lists, and get out of the store in the least amount of time. Users would create a shopping list ahead of time, and when they got to the store the iShop app would help them locate the items on their shopping list, compare prices of similar items, and prepare applicable coupons. The app would also keep tabs on your running total and use an ePay system to allow you to check out without waiting in line. The concept even includes a 360-degree rotating dock (on the shopping cart handle) and a “baby channel” that would play a video or a game to keep your child occupied while you shop.

While integration into shopping cart handles would likely be a long way off, even an app that did all of this could prove extremely useful for avid shoppers. We particularly like the idea of the app being able to locate your items in the store before you start looking for them. We’ll take anything that makes the grocery shopping experience more efficient and enjoyable, and it certainly looks like this smart concept design would do both.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Kelly Montgomery

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Kelly Montgomery is a magazine journalism graduate from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communications…

Smart Home

How to fix an Amazon Smart Thermostat that’s unresponsive

The Amazon Smart Thermostat hanging on wall.

Few smart thermostats are as affordable and powerful as the Amazon Smart Thermostat. Clocking in well under $100 and backed by the great reputation of Amazon, the affordable thermostat is one of the most popular on the market. Yet despite its popularity, the Amazon Smart Thermostat isn't without a few issues. A common issue that crops up for users is the thermostat unit becoming unresponsive, making it difficult to use the device as intended.

Smart Home

How to save Ring Doorbell video without a subscription

Ring Doorbell mounted outside a front door.

Take a walk through any neighborhood, and you're bound to see a few Ring video doorbells installed next to front doors. The brand is increasingly popular, thanks to an ever-growing product lineup that makes it easy to find a device for all budgets and security needs. But one of the peskier features of Ring is the need for a Ring Protect Plan -- a monthly subscription service that unlocks the majority of the camera's most useful features.

One such feature locked behind a Ring Protect Plan membership is the ability to save Ring doorbell videos. Without a plan, you'll really only be allowed to view a live feed of your video doorbell. The plans are pretty generous, with the Basic plan costing $5 per month and offering video history for up to 180 days, making it a worthwhile investment for homes worried about their security.

Smart Home

Amazon’s Echo Pop smart speaker is 43% off, and it’s not even Prime Day

The Echo Pop sitting on a countertop.

Usually we see the best Amazon Echo deals around Prime Day or other Amazon sales events. However, today, you can buy an Amazon Echo Pop for a super low price of $23. It normally costs $40 which is already pretty reasonable so being able to snag one for just $23 is pretty great. A useful addition to any room in your home, let’s take a look at what to expect.

Why you should buy the Amazon Echo Pop
One of the best smart speakers around when it comes to value and functionality, the Amazon Echo Pop is a great little addition to your home. Available in different colors to suit the aesthetic of your home, the compact smart speaker offers full sound that’s particularly well suited for bedrooms and small spaces. It’s small enough to blend in while still being pretty loud.