by Grace Barone
Clover has recently released an updated version of their hand held point-of-sale device, the Clover Flex. The new edition of the Clover Flex is known as Gen 3 and is the most current version to date. With the Gen 3 Flex now being offered, many business owners have questioned whether or not they should make the switch to the new Clover Flex or not. At a glance the Gen 3 looks pretty similar to the previous version. But, Clover was meticulous with their updates to the system and had the needs of the Flex's users in mind.
So What's Different about the New Clover Flex?
The previous version was received very well by business owners and customers alike, so what did they really need to change about it? Well developers figured out exactly how to improve the Flex without changing it too much. This makes learning the updates and implementing the new device into your business much simpler. Here are the new features of the Clover Flex Gen 3;
Operating System
There are constant updates happening to device operating systems. Its not just POS systems, I'm sure you've had to update your operating system on your phone at least once before. Well just like you wouldn't be able to run the latest IOS version on an I-Phone 2. The Clover Flex Gen 2 isn't able to run on Android 10, the Gen 3 on the other hand, is able to. Overall, the update to Android 10 for the new Clover Flex offers improved performance, enhanced security, compatibility with the latest apps, access to new features, and continued developer support. These benefits contribute to a more robust, efficient, and future-ready device for merchants using the Gen 3.
This doesn't mean your 2nd generation Flex won't work though. The previous version runs on Android 8.1 which is still a relatively newer operating system. But, the reason for the update is to allow business owners access to the newest versions of apps and a larger variety of apps on the Clover app market. Having a compatible device for all the app updates can really boost efficiency while your business is using them. Slow loading times and glitches have more of an effect on your staffs work day then you may realize.
On top of being able to run all the apps offered, the new operating system also has new security features. This means transactions are better protected and sensitive information is less likely to be tampered with.
Display
The new Clover Flex still has the same shape as the previous version but there have been some slight adjustments. The screen size is almost one inch bigger than the Gen 2. Gen 3 has a 5.99" screen compared to the previous versions 5" screen. The resolution has also improved, the current version has a 720 x 1440 HD resolution. This has been updated from the previous 720 x 1280 HD resolution. This makes using the screen much easier, .99" makes a big difference. The Clover Flex has been increasingly popular in restaurants and merchants that are on the go. Having a wider, higher resolution display makes using it to pay-at-the-table easier for customers. It also makes employees using it to take orders, or using any of the apps, faster and easier. If you're using the device outside like at a farmers market or a food truck, the improved display makes the whole process more convenient.
Bar Code Scanner
Continuing on with the adjustments, the new Clover Flex now has a dedicated external button for barcode scanning. It still has the same 1D and 2D scanning abilities, but the addition of the external button make scanning codes much more accurate and efficient. On the previous version, everything was done with the touch screen. Now there are no issues of tapping the wrong part of the screen or scanning things twice on accident.
Finger Print Scan
Gen 3 of the Clover Flex does not has finger print scanning capabilities like the previous versions. This is a consistent trend with all of Clovers Devices. The purpose of the finger print scanner was for security reasons. To log into the device you or your employees need to either scan your finger or ender a 4 or 6 digit code. In theory this was a great feature, but in reality, most businesses and staff use their dedicated code more often than not. Not to mention if you are utilizing apps like HomeBase Time Clock, you have to use your pin number anyway, so having a universal security protocol for all the devices is the most practical.
What has Stayed the Same
Many things have stayed the same with the new Clover Flex. But these are things that didn't really need to be changed in the first place. There is still an internal thermal printer for receipts, a 3.5mm audio jack, 5MP camera, speaker and microphone, and 16- GB Flash storage. And of course you are still able to take all forms of payment with the Gen 3.
Getting the New Clover Flex at your Business
If your business is wanting to update your Clover Flex to the Gen 3 or want to start implementing a hand held POS system for the first time, visit getvms.com or fill out the form below. We offer the newest version of the Clover Flex as well as the rest if Clovers POS systems.