One of the next big things was Radio-frequency identification (RFID) contactless payment technology, which was said to provide a simple method of payment that could reduce time spent in checkout lines.

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The next time you are at the supermarket checkout, say no to your loaf of bread being put into another plastic bag.

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Every time you set one down at the checkout stand, chances are you are leaving some critters behind for the next bag to pick up.

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By the time QE II came along the average girl on the checkout counter had them too.

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Although barcodes are very easy to transmit securely to mobile devices, the estimated 165 million standard barcode scanners at checkout locations in the U.S. have a very hard time reading them off of reflective screens.

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Now, when inventories fall below a certain level, the checkout scanners instantly order a new batch based on historical demand and delivery time.

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And as they stand in line at the checkout, many are certain to double-check that big online store one last time to see if their goods are available with free shipping.

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