Square made a couple of big announcements today. The company, run by Twitter co-Founder Jack Dorsey, unveiled Square Card Case and Square Register.
The former is being touted as “your friendly neighborhood way to pay.” The concept behind the Card Case, is essentially a mobile tab system. Users can set up tabs at their favorite places, order their purcase and carry on, as payment is automatic. There is a location-based directory that shows nearby shops, cafes and restaurants that use it. Restaurants can show their menus, specials, and popular items with it. All receipts are digital.
The latter, is simply a new version of Square’s iPad app, which allows merchants to send customers Card Case links.
@jack
Jack DorseyToday @Square is bringing the simplicity of 1 click buying to every local business, and a card case to your phone. http://t.co/TJXwNJL
3 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone · powered by @socialditto
@jack
Jack DorseyThe @Square card case is the simplest and most magical way to pay everyday. http://t.co/0pyiw7U 2 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone · powered by @socialditto
Here are some noteworthy tweets that Square COO Keith Rabois retweeted:
@MiguelSquareTx
Miguel GonzalezRIP Cash registers @jack has a new plan for a new sexy @square register. Super awesome and can’t wait to use one! 3 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@matthimself
MattI just watched @square start a seismic shift in the way we deal with money. The future is now. 3 hours ago via TweetDeck · powered by @socialditto
To get a Square Card Case, consumers must swipe a credit card at a participating business, then they’ll get a text message receipt, which contains a link to set up a tab. If you have downloaded the Square app, youre you should have your Card Case. Right now, Card Case is only available in the Bay Area, New York, LA, DC, and St. Louis.
The company says tabs will be available for more businesses in the coming weeks. There is a place to sign up here.
Square also announced that it has shipped 500,000 Square readers since launch.