Apple announced today that they have taken a page out of Amazon.com’s book, and have licensed their patented 1-Click ordering system. The Amazon system allows users to register all relevant information with the company, and then purchase products by having to only click one time, rather than go through a long series of ordering pages and instructions. According to Apple:
Apple today announced it has licensed Amazon.com’s 1-Click patent and trademark for use on its Apple Online Store, as part of an e-commerce patent cross-licensing agreement. A new version of Apple’s Online Store featuring 1-Click shopping went live today, and all products sold on The Apple Store(TM) can now be purchased with the 1-Click feature.
Apple also announced that its much anticipated iMovie(TM) 2 video editing software is immediately available from the Apple Online Store for $49 via 1-Click downloading — an industry first which combines 1-Click shopping with the downloading of software over the Internet.
“The Apple Store has been incredibly successful and now we’re taking it to the next level,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Licensing Amazon.com’s 1-Click patent and trademark will allow us to offer our customers an even easier and faster online buying experience.”
“Apple has a long history of innovation,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com, “And we’re extremely happy to work with them.”
The 1-Click feature securely stores billing and shipping information so that returning customers need only click their mouse once, without reentering or reconfirming that information, to purchase selected items conveniently.
You can find more information about Apple’s new ordering system at the Apple web site.
The Mac Observer Spin:
It is interesting to see Apple and Amazon working together. Amazon, and more specifically the United States patent and trademark systems, have taken a significant amont of heat for the protection of the 1-Click ordering scheme. However, regardless of whether it is a “good” patent or not, it stands in the books.
This deal aligns Apple firmly on the side of Amazon, a powerful online ally to be sure. It is also the kind of marketing ploy and simplistic strategy that fits “The New Apple.” All-in-all, we see this as a positive move for our favorite computer company.