Starbucks UK to Get Mobile Payments App
Handing over your hard-earned cash for a coffee and a cookie just got easier.
Starbucks UK has been on a bit of a technology growth spurt over the last few months. The company just recently rolled out free WiFi across its UK shops and, not long after, brought its iTunes 'Pick of the Week' service to UK shores. This week, the coffee company's focus on improving the UK customer experience continues with the news that we'll soon be able to pay for our coffee with our iPhone or iPod.
Pocket-Lint reports that the new year will see Starbucks introduce its one-touch mobile app for iPhone and iPod that in turn allows you to pay for your purchase from your mobile device. The app is said to save 10 seconds per transaction and is set to cut down on the time you spend waiting in the queue down at your local branch.
Starbucks said that it built its own custom mobile payment technology because it didn't have time to wait for NFC.
"We wanted to find a way for [our customers] to pay in the quickest way possible," said Brian Waring, VP of Marketing & Category for Starbucks UK and Ireland. "Because our customers want it, we have created our own custom-built mobile payment technology rather than waiting for the near field communication technology which is currently not widely available," he continued. "We’re always thinking of new ways to add value to our customers and give them more reasons to choose Starbucks."
No word on whether or not Starbucks plans to release an Android version, but we'll keep you posted.
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near-field has it's flaws so an alternative is a good idea. for example, very strong rf signals such as those from mobile phone masts routinely reset or scramble such devices as near-field vehicle ignition security systems (commonly found in the key\keyfob) leaving drivers unable to start their engines.