I wonder if this has anything to do with the rumored iPhone/Starbucks ordering application? It would make sense to partner with AT&T instead of tmo...

I wonder why that will be an iPhone app, rather than just a mobile website with location based elements?

Good catch! After you pointed it out, it seems obvious.

How will it work exactly?

Like it should. User browses coffee on their iPhone, places order, waits for their name to be called, pays for coffee, drinks.

Couldn't they just charge the coffee to your account from the phone (like adding it to a phone bill or linking it to the iTunes account)?

Do folks here have a problem with doing business with AT&T, given AT&T's involvement with domestic spying and their expressed desire to filter the Internet?

I certainly do have a problem in principle. In practice I still use my iphone. Maybe I should blame Apple for deciding to partner with a carrier that uses these kind of tactics.

I'm not seeing how this is free? What's a Starbucks purchase card (tm)?

Also will this be free for iPhone users since they're on an AT&T plan?

A "Starbucks purchase card" is like a gift card. Except they encourage people to buy one for themselves, so that you don't have to carry cash.

I guess if you use a gift card to make a purchase, then they can tie your purchase to an AT&T account, and they'll give you 2 free hours of WiFi service.

No one's said that they'll be offering any extra free services for iPhone users, which makes me assume they won't. (AT&T already runs WiFi hotspots now, and those aren't free for iPhone owners.)

I'm confused as to the freeness as well.

good piece on NPR a couple weeks back about how small independent coffee shops do better when Starbucks comes to town ... a few guys are actually targeting property next door/near to a Starbucks to open coffee shops (and seeing big profits)

That's interesting. I suppose the Starbucks sign gets people thinking about coffee, but they don't want to go to Starbucks.

You mean you have to pay for the WiFi at Starbucks in the states?

My most local Starbucks is practically empty but the smaller chain coffeeshop across the street and the independent coffeeshop a block away are packed. No one wants to pay for Wi-Fi.

yes, like $9.99 a day. F uck that. That's why I hate them. The local cafe, has better coffee, and free internet.

They are still Lame.

My Caffe Cubano, has awesome coffee (very good lates), nice couches, frew Wi-Fi, beer and wine, decent food, and show old movies twice a week, plus they have great music and other stuff once and a while.

I doubt Starbucks will be able to match it. The only reason I visit starbucks, if b/c they are open 24hrs, or when I am in rush.

Great, so stick to your neighborhood coffee shop. As far as I can tell Starbucks has good coffee (but I'm not an expert on coffee) at a reasonable price (quit bitching about price people, if you can't afford it you need a better job) and it's convenient (they're everywhere, many open 24 hours, drive through).

No matter where I travel in the country I can have the exact same coffee made just the way I like it.

burnt?

Why does anyone go to StarBucks? I can't count the number of coffee shops in the city I live in that have free wi-fi. Is their coffee really that much better?

Living in Seattle, every time I slip and fall in the rain, I end up in a Starbucks and decide to leave with a cup of coffee.

Is there any place in Seattle that doesn't have a Starbucks in line of sight?

Well, if you are not in downtown, you probably won't see a Starbucks when you are inside one.

1. some people have very few choices. If you live around rural areas, or most of middle americans, choices are between chains and other chains.

2. People are attracted to familiar places/shops. So, if you are in a different area, and see a starbucks it is immediately recognizable as a place to get coffee.

3. Most americans are not necessary culturally curious, so they are more likely to settle with the default average choice.

4. Starbucks are fricking everywhere. So, sometimes they are just more convenient to go to.

Now this is a good move for Starbucks. Trying to outcheap McDonald's will get them nowhere.

Bet they'll still arrest you for using it...

finally