Square Credit Card Reader Gets Redesigned By Apple Lightning Connector Engineer
December 10, 2013
Square has just unveiled the latest version of its popular credit card reader. According to the San Francisco-based mobile payments company, the new Square Reader is 45 percent thinner than the previous version and more accurate than competing credit card readers.
The point-of-sale accessory, which works in conjunction with the Square Register app, has been significantly improved thanks mainly to the engineering expertise of Jesse Dorogusker, Square's VP of Hardware.
It's interesting to note that before becoming head of hardware at Square, Dorogusker was the head of the accessories division at Apple. And while at the Cupertino-based company, he led the development of the compact and reversible Lightning connector.
Wired has a comprehensive feature on how Dorogusker re-engineered the Square Reader.
If you can't see the video embedded above, please click here.
Key features of the redesigned Square Reader include:
While it's not available for purchase from retail stores until next year, the new Square Reader is already available from the Square website for free. See also: Square Acquires Photo App Startup Viewfinder To 'Work On Seller Initiatives,' Square Register 4.0 Introduces New iOS 7-Style Interface Plus New Enhancements, Send Money To Your Friends Via Email With Square Cash, and Square Wallet Updated To 3.0: Adds A Sleeker, Snappier System.
- A custom magnetic readhead and spring. Thinner and more accurate than the alternatives, the readhead parses redundant data from credit cards to ensure successful swipes.
- Custom electronics in a single chip. The reader is powered by the phone into which it is plugged, eliminating the need for a bulky battery and increasing life and reliability.
- Improved communications protocols and a custom audio plug. The Square Reader is compatible with more devices than ever before.
