In what we believe is a first of its kind, it seems Starbucks is all set to implement mobile payments in a way, never before seen at a coffee shop. Starbucks have started its mobile payment system that would allow users to just wave your mobile device (beginning with Blackberry and iPhone /iPod touch) to pay for your coffee at all its 6800 stores across US.
The app said to be doing the magic is ‘Starbucks card app‘, and this should work with a credit card pre-loaded on the app or by linking a pay pal account. Since none of the Blackberries or iOS device currently implements NFC (near field communication), the app will currently generate a bar code on the screen of the phone which can be used to make payments.
The App is already available for download for the iOS and BlackBerry platforms. Once you download the app, all you need to do is to enter your Starbucks Card number to turn your phone in to your Starbucks card.
Using the app, users can register their cards, check their balance and track the Stars they earn toward free beverages through My Starbucks Rewards. The iOS app requires your device to run iOs 3.1 or higher and yes, it will also run fine on your iPad.
What is conspicuous by its absence is an Android app for the same which we expect to make an appearance in the not too distant future.
