Microsoft not only wants to sell new Windows 8.1 tablets like Surface, along with Windows Phone handsets to consumers, it clearly would love to see those hardware devices bought and used by large retail outlets. Today, the company released a new video that offers an example of how these products could be applied by large stores.
The clip, using a fictional grocery store, was posted on Microsoft"s Windows blog today as part of the company"s activities this week during the National Retail Federation’s annual conference in New York City. The clip, which uses exaggerated UI animations that pop up outside the devices, show how Windows 8.1 tablets can be used by retail employees to help customers by checking on their purchase history. A Windows Phone device can be used to take a debit or credit card from a customer to immediately purchase a product. Store managers can use augmented reality software on tablets to help market and sell specific products in the store.
The blog also mentioned a couple of businesses that are already using Windows devices, such as Avis Car Rental. It states:
Avis has developed a modern Windows ‘Select & Go’ app to improve customers’ check out experience. Instead of standing at the counter, customers can be helped by associates wherever they are, including a walk out to the Avis car rental lot where customers can select a car and choose to upgrade on the spot instead of going back inside.
Microsoft says it is showing a demo of what it calls the Connected Fitting Room during the conference this week. People who enter the room wearing clothes that have been tagged with RFID hardware can view how the garments look via a Windows touchscreen. Users can access the screen to view different sizes, colors and more on the display.