Starbucks has launched its version of a mobile based payment system at all its US company-operated stores.
The system uses a combination of app and on-screen barcode on the phone, and counter-top scanner to tie the purchase into the user’s Starbucks account. The app is available for some Blackberry phones, and the iPhone and iPod Touch.
In research conducted, the coffee chain determined that many customers play with their smartphone whilst in line at Starbucks counters and also estimates that more than a third of US customers carry a smartphone instead of a wallet.