That was the technology used by Chronodrive, back in 2009, to alleviate the online shopping experience and help customers select products they wanted to by online more easily. It was adopted by other retailers, including Walmart and a U.S. delivery service called Peapod.
As of last autumn, customers could walk up to the Hiku device, press a button and speak their item into the device. For example “paper towels” to add it to their shopping cart.
It was only recently the Chronodrive user experience took new shape. With 40% of Chronodrive groceries ordered with a mobile device, the company introduced a new App to order groceries using Siri, and another App called Memo to order using the Apple Watch, calling it ”the logical next step”. The App allows clients to talk to their Apple Watch, powered by Siri, to easily add products to their shopping cart.
Imagine, you're wearing your Apple Watch, and you're looking into your fridge. Almost absent-mindedly, you can say, "Siri, order more milk!" The Apple Watch App makes the user experience tremendously easy, allowing users to use natural language to order groceries. “A bag of carrots, a dozen eggs, a jar of mayonnaise."
Now, tell your watch when you want the delivery. Go drop the kids off at school, and go to work. The groceries will arrive later.
It's impressive.
I look forward to seeing continuous developments and crossover with wearables and retail.
Chronodrive is not afraid to try new things. Digital innovation means leveraging the devices out there, and giving clients better experiences; just focus on improving, make the experience better; the customer is going to thank you.
For more information about the technology used by Chrondrive, see the ikomobi website.