If the predictions of industry experts are correct, the world of quick-serve restaurants will be changing — well — quick. By the year 2030, ordering a Big Mac and fries could be a vastly different experience than it is today.
But many warn that advances in technology could result in job losses and a rise in fraudulent activity. So the question remains: as we push the technology envelope, will we eventually self-destruct?Let’s begin with the ordering process. Sync technology, developed by Ford and in use today, allows drivers to operate their cell phone, car navigation and stereo system solely through voice commands. The next rendition of Sync technology will use the car’s restaurant information to enable drivers to call the restaurant and order a meal. Place that call and you’re on auto-pilot: the car takes you straight to the restaurant and right through the drive-thru lane. Easy as one, two, three.
Experts hypothesize that one day consumers will have a restaurant-specific cell phone application that will store favorite orders and credit card information. Just tell your phone to ‘Order Burger King’ and your favorite order will be automatically placed and paid for in a matter of seconds. Sounds pretty cool, right? It sure is, unless your cell phone ends up in the wrong hands.
