Point-of-sale systems are about as dull as computers can get. With the ability to figure out sums and print out receipts, they're little more than the digivolved versions of calculators (and not the cool, graphing kind either). This drab sector of the tech industry could benefit from something interesting, so Casio is doing its part by announcing upgraded versions of its Android-powered cash register.

The new V-R7000 and V-R7100 terminals improve on the old where it matters. Instead of Gingerbread, these devices are powered by Android 4.2. Sure, that number could be higher, but do these things really need the Google Now Launcher? The old V-R100 came with 512MB of RAM, but these bad boys are touting four times as much, and that old 2GB of internal memory has been bumped up to 16GB.

What cashiers will probably appreciate most, though, is the jump from a 10.4-inch 800 x 600 display to a 15.6-inch 1366 x 768 one. I know that's still a pretty ugly screen, but hey, I'm still impressed when I come across a cash register that can display color of any kind (disregarding Game Boy-era black and green). And since these things come with Bluetooth support, that officially makes them smart registers. I think that's how that adjective works anyway.

Should you go out and buy one? No. This is what the person standing across from you should use while you're out getting other gadgets. But as you're purchasing that shiny new Android device, you can at least smile knowing another Android device is helping to make it happen.

Casio Announces New Android™ Based Point Of Sale Terminals

New V-R7000 and V-R7100 Meet Store Needs with Android™ Terminals, Applications, and Support Tools

DOVER, N.J., May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Casio America, Inc. announced the introduction of two new POS touch terminals, the V-R7000 and V-R7100, which both run the Android™ operating system and their optional Point of Sale (POS) application software. The release of the V-R7000 and V-R7100 follows the introduction of the highly successful and innovative V-R100 terminal, which was the first complete Android-based electronic POS terminal.

"Retailers, large and small, seek POS systems that are not only cost-effective, but also help their businesses run more efficiently," said Tom Zitelli, Sales & Marketing Manager of Casio's System Products Division. "The new V-R7000 and V-R7100 terminals deliver on those needs with a wide variety of applications and support tools that help to eliminate common hardware problems and improve the business's short- and long-term success."

The V-R7000 and V-R7100 are designed without a fan, hard disk drive or any movable components to ensure efficient store operations by eliminating common problems experienced with PC-based hardware. Like the V-R100, these new terminals will run third party, ISV (Independent Software Vendors), Android-based POS applications.  Additional applications available on the V-R7000 AND V-R7100 include grocery/convenience store, pizza, concession stand, hospitality and apparel store.  Casio also provides a software development kit (SDK) to ISV's in order to facilitate their software running on these new models.

Additional hardware offerings on the V-R7000 and V-R7100 include:The 15.6-inch widescreen touch panel display can be positioned vertically and supports VESA compatible mounting that includes pole, wall and vertical stand mountings to maximize operator viewing access to the application screens. The touch panel boasts IP53-compliant dustproof and waterproof performance, and can be used with confidence in restaurants and other wet environments. A variety of communication ports are also available, three (3) serial, four (4) USB host ports, LAN port, two (2) cash drawer ports, two (2) SD card slots for device and peripheral connectivity.  The V-R7100 boasts wireless LAN and Bluetooth®communications capabilities, which eliminates the need for extra cabling and allows the terminal to be a placed in a location that best suits the needs of the business.

Both models are also equipped with a battery to protect memory data in the event of a power failure.  Once the power returns to the terminal, it will go directly to the last screen it was showing at the time of the failure without the loss of transaction data. In addition, a variety of peripherals are available to enhance the functionality of the V-R7000 and V-R7100  including an expansion box with additional communication ports, ergonomically designed magnetic strip card reader, remote customer display and a LAN/serial printer.

For additional information on Casio's full portfolio of POS and electronic cash registers, please visit www.Casio4Business.com.