Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Starbucks brews up free, two-click WiFi in the UK]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/starbucks-brews-up-free-two-click-wifi-in-the-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/starbucks-brews-up-free-two-click-wifi-in-the-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/starbucks-brews-up-free-two-click-wifi-in-the-uk/#comments If your work environment consists of coworkers constantly yelling "venti half-caf red eye" across the "office," then you'll be pleased to know that Starbucks has made it faster and easier to get online. By extending its free one-click two-click WiFi service to 650 stores in the UK, over caffeinated Brits will now be able to access gratis internet without having to sign up for a Starbucks Rewards card -- a former requirement on the coffee conglomerate's BT Openzone network. Now, if we could only find a chair...

Continue reading Starbucks brews up free, two-click WiFi in the UK

Starbucks brews up free, two-click WiFi in the UK originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 22:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bt openzoneBtOpenzonecoffeefree internetfree wifiFreeInternetFreeWifihotspot.internetminipoststarbuckswifiWiFi Hotspotwifi hotspotsWifiHotspotWifiHotspotsFri, 07 Oct 2011 22:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks rolls out mobile payment app for Android users, java junkies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/starbucks-rolls-out-mobile-payment-app-for-android-users-java-j/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/starbucks-rolls-out-mobile-payment-app-for-android-users-java-j/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/starbucks-rolls-out-mobile-payment-app-for-android-users-java-j/#comments
After having already introduced its own iOS app, Starbucks has now decided to bring mobile mocha payments to Android users, as well. With the free Starbucks for Android app, all you have to do is add credit to your mobile Starbucks Card, scan the app's barcode at the cash register, and that triple shot skinny latte will be yours to pound. Available on devices running Android 2.1 or above, the service will also locate all outlets within your immediate vicinity, while offering even more coffee-based incentives, via Starbucks' rewards program. Thus far, there are about 6,800 stores that support mobile payments, though the company is planning to add an additional 1,000 locations, this July. Coffeeholics can find more information in the PR after the break, and can download the app from the source link, below.

Continue reading Starbucks rolls out mobile payment app for Android users, java junkies

Starbucks rolls out mobile payment app for Android users, java junkies originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 06:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.1android marketAndroid2.1AndroidMarketappcaffeinecoffeejavalocationmobile paymentMobilePaymentmoneypaymentservicestarbucksstarbucks for androidstarbucks for android appStarbucksForAndroidStarbucksForAndroidAppWed, 15 Jun 2011 06:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Interactive storefront displays show up at Canadian Starbucks, window licking discouraged]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/interactive-storefront-displays-show-up-at-canadian-starbucks-w/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/interactive-storefront-displays-show-up-at-canadian-starbucks-w/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/interactive-storefront-displays-show-up-at-canadian-starbucks-w/#comments Starbucks has given the caffeinated crowd a new reason, other than the free WiFi, to stop by a couple of locations in Toronto and Vancouver -- interactive window displays! Taking sidewalk passers-by on a journey to assemble their favorite Tazo teas, the interactivity comes via a vinyl screen, projector, and gesture controls. We've already seen an interactive storefront in the US, so its about time our friends up north got some geekified advertising of their own. Vid's after the break.

Continue reading Interactive storefront displays show up at Canadian Starbucks, window licking discouraged

Interactive storefront displays show up at Canadian Starbucks, window licking discouraged originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementadvertisementsadvertisingcanadaGesture ControlGestureControlinteractiveinteractive displayinteractive windowInteractiveDisplayInteractiveWindowstarbucksTazo teaTazoTeavideowindowMon, 07 Feb 2011 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks lets you pay for that Trenta with the iPhone in your shaking, overcaffeinated hands]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/starbucks-lets-you-pay-for-that-trenta-with-the-iphone-in-your-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/starbucks-lets-you-pay-for-that-trenta-with-the-iphone-in-your-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/starbucks-lets-you-pay-for-that-trenta-with-the-iphone-in-your-s/#commentsExpanding a trial that had already been underway in a few markets, Starbucks is now rolling out its Starbucks Card mobile app nationally with payment capability built-in, meaning you needn't reach into your wallet, pocketbook, or purse just because you're jonesing for that midday caffeine fix. Instead, you can fire up the app -- which supports the iPhone, iPod touch, and a number of BlackBerry models -- and hold up a barcode on the screen to a scanner in the store, at which point monies will be automagically deducted from your Starbucks Card account and transferred back to the mothership in exchange for high-octane brew. The circle of life, as it were. Follow the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Starbucks lets you pay for that Trenta with the iPhone in your shaking, overcaffeinated hands

Starbucks lets you pay for that Trenta with the iPhone in your shaking, overcaffeinated hands originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblackberrycoffeeiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentspaymentrimstarbucksWed, 19 Jan 2011 05:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks reveals plans for a Digital Network, made up of 'exclusive and premium' digital content]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/starbucks-reveals-plans-for-a-digital-network-made-up-of-exclu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/starbucks-reveals-plans-for-a-digital-network-made-up-of-exclu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/starbucks-reveals-plans-for-a-digital-network-made-up-of-exclu/#comments Free WiFi not enough of an enticement to get you to step into a Starbucks? Don't worry, the ubiquitous frappuccino purveyor has another card up its mocha-stained sleeve. Beginning this fall, Starbucks locations will be enriched with a new Digital Network, a freely accessible portal unto exclusive content from some of the more highbrow providers. The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today will flesh out the news offering, Yahoo will pick up business and career duties, and Apple's iTunes will provide free downloads to sate entertainment needs. Curiously enough, nobody is exchanging any cash up front -- Starbucks isn't paying for this and neither are you -- but the trick is as always to try and upsell you on to even more premium goodies, in which case the coffee chain and content provider have a revenue-sharing deal in place to split the profit. Doesn't sound like the worst idea in the world to us, bring on the freebies!

Starbucks reveals plans for a Digital Network, made up of 'exclusive and premium' digital content originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecoffee shopCoffeeShopcontentcontent distributionContentDistributionexclusivefree wifiFreeWifiitunesnetworknew york timesNewYorkTimesplanspremiumpremium contentPremiumContentsdnstarbucksstarbucks digital networkStarbucksDigitalNetworkusa todayUsaTodaywall street journalWallStreetJournalwifiyahooThu, 12 Aug 2010 07:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks begins offering free two-click WiFi access in US and Canada]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/starbucks-begins-offering-free-one-click-wifi-access-in-us-and-c/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/starbucks-begins-offering-free-one-click-wifi-access-in-us-and-c/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/starbucks-begins-offering-free-one-click-wifi-access-in-us-and-c/#comments Mmm... nothing like the smell of a warm caramel macchiato in the morning being masked by the smell of fresh greenbacks being burned, right? All jesting aside, we're pretty stoked about the world's most recognized coffee joint turning off the paywall surrounding its in-house WiFi hotspots, and in case you missed the original announcement, we're here to remind you that the free-for-all begins today. As of this very moment, the next US / Canadian corporately-ran Starbucks that you enter should be offering free one two-click WiFi, meaning that no password is required and no time limits will be set. Of course, this also means that you'll never see an open chair in any Starbucks ever again, but hey -- that's why sidewalks were created, right?

Update: Ha, as our good friend Dave Zatz points out, it's actually two-clicks, not one: 1) agree to terms and services, 2) connect. But let's not let the facts ruin a snappy press release.

Continue reading Starbucks begins offering free two-click WiFi access in US and Canada

Starbucks begins offering free two-click WiFi access in US and Canada originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attbellcanadacoffeeconnectivityfoodfree internetfree wifiFreeInternetFreeWifihotspotinternetpaywallStarbucksususawifiThu, 01 Jul 2010 07:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks sets its own Independence Day: free WiFi for all starting July 1st]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/starbucks-sets-its-own-independence-day-free-wifi-for-all-start/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/starbucks-sets-its-own-independence-day-free-wifi-for-all-start/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/starbucks-sets-its-own-independence-day-free-wifi-for-all-start/#comments
 Starbucks has been providing gratis WiFi to iPhone users and AT&T subscribers for years now, but everyone else has been conveniently shunned. All that's fixing to change on the first of July, with the famed coffee shop announcing via Twitter that WiFi will be completely free to all patrons in around a fortnight. Show up, pop your collar, have a seat, look sexy, sip gently and initiate a single click to get online. It'll be as easy as blowing $7 for a warmed beverage that you've never been too fond of, anyway.

[Thanks, Paul]

Starbucks sets its own Independence Day: free WiFi for all starting July 1st originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coffeecoffee shopCoffeeShopfreefree wifiFreeWifiinternetStarbuckswifiwirelesswireless internetWirelessInternetMon, 14 Jun 2010 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Eye-Fi X2 series of 802.11n Class 6 cards ships today, AT&T WiFi hotspots added to the fold]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/eye-fi-x2-series-of-802-11n-class-6-cards-ships-today-atandt-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/eye-fi-x2-series-of-802-11n-class-6-cards-ships-today-atandt-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/eye-fi-x2-series-of-802-11n-class-6-cards-ships-today-atandt-wifi/#comments The new Eye-Fi "X2" series we saw at CES is hitting store shelves and FedEx trucks today, bringing with it 802.11n radios, Class 6 SD card speeds, an "Endless Memory" mode, and expanded storage. What's perhaps even more interesting, however, is the fact that all Eye-Fi cards with an active hotspot account can now use AT&T's WiFi, which includes Starbucks and McDonald's in its ever-expanding grasp. The pricing tiers are pure Eye-Fi, of course, with the $50 Connect X2 offering JPEG uploads to sharing sites like Flickr, Facebook, and YouTube, along with 4GB of storage; the $100 Explore X2, which chews 8GB of capacity, and includes geotagging, uploading to the user's own computer over a WiFi network, and a year of free hotspot service; and finally the Eye-Fi Pro X2, with 8GB of storage, JPEG and RAW uploads, and support for creating ad hoc WiFi connections with a computer, all for the low, low price of $150. All the cards are available today at major retailers, PR is after the break.

Gallery: Eye-Fi 802.11n Pro X2 hands-on

Continue reading Eye-Fi X2 series of 802.11n Class 6 cards ships today, AT&T WiFi hotspots added to the fold

Eye-Fi X2 series of 802.11n Class 6 cards ships today, AT&T WiFi hotspots added to the fold originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11nattclass 6Class6eye-fieye-fi connecteye-fi exploreeye-fi proeye-fi x2Eye-fiConnectEye-fiExploreEye-fiProEye-fiX2mcdonaldsstarbuckswifix2 connectx2 explorex2 proX2ConnectX2ExploreX2ProTue, 23 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain Obvious reports: AT&T sees surge in WiFi use post-iPhone OS 3.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/captain-obvious-reports-atandt-sees-surge-in-wifi-use-post-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/captain-obvious-reports-atandt-sees-surge-in-wifi-use-post-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/captain-obvious-reports-atandt-sees-surge-in-wifi-use-post-iphone/#comments
You know, there's something to be said about making something easy: people usually take advantage. So seems to be the case with AT&T's WiFi connections after the release of iPhone OS 3.0, which finally became useful when users could seamlessly connect to one of the thousands of AT&T hotspots around the nation rather than having to stumble through a painfully long process on iPhone OS 2.x. According to an AT&T spokesperson speaking with AppleInsider, the amount of iPhone users linking up with AT&T's WiFi network tripled in June, and overall, it saw a 41 percent increase in connections compared to the prior quarter. It comes as no surprise to hear that AT&T is working feverishly to expand said network in order to relieve strain from its house of cards-styled 3G network, and while we'd definitely prefer a bit more reliability with the latter, we'll happily accept more WiFi in the meanwhile.

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Captain Obvious reports: AT&T sees surge in WiFi use post-iPhone OS 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You know, there's something to be said about making something easy: people usually take advantage. So seems to be the case with AT&T's WiFi connections after the release of iPhone OS 3.0, which finally became useful when users could seamlessly connect to one of the thousands of AT&T hotspots around the nation rather than having to stumble through a painfully long process on iPhone OS 2.x. According to an AT&T spokesperson speaking with AppleInsider, the amount of iPhone users linking up with AT&T's WiFi network tripled in June, and overall, it saw a 41 percent increase in connections compared to the prior quarter. It comes as no surprise to hear that AT&T is working feverishly to expand said network in order to relieve strain from its house of cards-styled 3G network, and while we'd definitely prefer a bit more reliability with the latter, we'll happily accept more WiFi in the meanwhile.

Filed under: ,

Captain Obvious reports: AT&T sees surge in WiFi use post-iPhone OS 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gattbroadbandinternetiphoneiphone 3giphone 3gsiphone os 3.0Iphone3gIphone3gsIphoneOs3.0mobile broadbandMobileBroadbandnetworkstarbuckssurveywifiFri, 31 Jul 2009 05:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Easy WiFi app simplifies free AT&T WiFi access, but you still have to hang out at coffee shops]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/03/easy-wifi-app-simplifies-free-atandt-wifi-access-but-you-still-ha/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/03/easy-wifi-app-simplifies-free-atandt-wifi-access-but-you-still-ha/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/03/easy-wifi-app-simplifies-free-atandt-wifi-access-but-you-still-ha/#comments
Perk up, iPhone users! Up until now, if you've wanted to enjoy all of that free AT&T WiFi that is your right (as a Starbucks customer and as a loyal American) you faced an onerous process that included registering via Safari, waiting for the appropriate SMS codes, losing track of what you were doing and finally, flirting with the barista. These days are behind you now, kiddo -- upon entering any AT&T WiFi hotspot, just fire up Devicescape's Easy WiFi app, enter your ten-digit AT&T phone number and log in. This guy is free until Friday, at which point the price gets set for an ever-so-reasonable $1.99. And while we're at it: would it hurt you to lay off the barista for once?

[Via Gearfuse]

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Easy WiFi app simplifies free AT&T WiFi access, but you still have to hang out at coffee shops originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We thought we'd heard the last of this whole AT&T / Starbucks WiFi deal yesterday, but alas, we were terrifically mistaken. AT&T has come forth today with two fluffy press releases that flesh out the details, and amazingly, there are some inclusions that we weren't made aware of yesterday. For starters, all iPhone / iPhone 3G customers will now have free (and seemingly limitless) access to AT&T WiFi hotspots across the US -- we're talking Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, the whole lot. Additionally, the carrier has welcomed select BlackBerry users -- that's the Bold for now, the Pearl 8120 / 8820 "later this year" -- into the same deal, though the official verbiage mentions that an "unlimited data plan" is required. If you didn't make the cut this time, fret not -- AT&T has plans to invite "more mobile devices" into the fold here shortly.

Read - Free AT&T WiFi on iPhone / iPhone 3G
Read - Free AT&T WiFi on BlackBerry

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AT&T officially delivers free WiFi to BlackBerry / iPhone users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We thought we'd heard the last of this whole AT&T / Starbucks WiFi deal yesterday, but alas, we were terrifically mistaken. AT&T has come forth today with two fluffy press releases that flesh out the details, and amazingly, there are some inclusions that we weren't made aware of yesterday. For starters, all iPhone / iPhone 3G customers will now have free (and seemingly limitless) access to AT&T WiFi hotspots across the US -- we're talking Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, the whole lot. Additionally, the carrier has welcomed select BlackBerry users -- that's the Bold for now, the Pearl 8120 / 8820 "later this year" -- into the same deal, though the official verbiage mentions that an "unlimited data plan" is required. If you didn't make the cut this time, fret not -- AT&T has plans to invite "more mobile devices" into the fold here shortly.

Read - Free AT&T WiFi on iPhone / iPhone 3G
Read - Free AT&T WiFi on BlackBerry

Filed under: ,

AT&T officially delivers free WiFi to BlackBerry / iPhone users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleattatt wifiAttWifiblackberryboldfree wifiFreeWifiiphoneiphone 3gIphone3grimstarbuckswifiThu, 30 Oct 2008 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T sending out SMS to confirm free iPhone WiFi at Starbucks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/atandt-sending-out-sms-to-confirm-free-iphone-wifi-at-starbucks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/atandt-sending-out-sms-to-confirm-free-iphone-wifi-at-starbucks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/atandt-sending-out-sms-to-confirm-free-iphone-wifi-at-starbucks/#comments
Oh, so you know what's hot, huh AT&T? Is flipping the on / off lever back and forth a gazillion times on this finicky Starbucks iPhone WiFi plan hot? Because it feels downright cold over here. While we can only hope and pray that this is the signal to finally close the book on this ridiculous saga, AT&T users all over the US are receiving text messages from AT&T confirming that free Starbucks WiFi (for iPhone owners) is on. Reportedly, the message indicates that their iPhone purchase gives them access to two hours of gratis use per day, though we'd go in with the lowest possible expectations in order to not be let down (again). Good luck, mettlesome ones.

[Thanks, Boy Genius]

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AT&T sending out SMS to confirm free iPhone WiFi at Starbucks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleatandtattdealfree wifiFreeWifiinternetiphonemessagingmobilemobile internetMobileInternetremindersmsstarbuckswifiWed, 29 Oct 2008 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T sending out SMS to confirm free iPhone WiFi at Starbucks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/atandt-sending-out-sms-to-confirm-free-iphone-wifi-at-starbucks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/atandt-sending-out-sms-to-confirm-free-iphone-wifi-at-starbucks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/atandt-sending-out-sms-to-confirm-free-iphone-wifi-at-starbucks/#comments
Oh, so you know what's hot, huh AT&T? Is flipping the on / off lever back and forth a gazillion times on this finicky Starbucks iPhone WiFi plan hot? Because it feels downright cold over here. While we can only hope and pray that this is the signal to finally close the book on this ridiculous saga, AT&T users all over the US are receiving text messages from AT&T confirming that free Starbucks WiFi (for iPhone owners) is on. Reportedly, the message indicates that their iPhone purchase gives them access to two hours of gratis use per day, though we'd go in with the lowest possible expectations in order to not be let down (again). Good luck, mettlesome ones.

[Thanks, Boy Genius]

Filed under: ,

AT&T sending out SMS to confirm free iPhone WiFi at Starbucks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledealfree wifiFreeWifiinternetiphonemobile internetMobileInternetremindersmsstarbuckswifiWed, 29 Oct 2008 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks wiped from Apple's site, but what does it mean?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/starbucks-wiped-from-apples-site-but-what-does-it-mean/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/starbucks-wiped-from-apples-site-but-what-does-it-mean/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/starbucks-wiped-from-apples-site-but-what-does-it-mean/#comments
Fresh off an extensive corporate decaffeination downsizing and a scaling back of its foray into music sales, it's a fair question to ask: just how ironclad is Starbucks' commitment to rolling out iTunes WiFi Music Store integration across its entire chain? We just happened to notice that the Starbucks page on Apple's site is now stone-cold gone, redirecting to the standard iTunes 8 stuff. You might say "no big deal, Apple's just playing down an agreement that's now been in place for a full year," but there's some other weirdness, too -- the company's iTunes WiFi Music Store at Starbucks FAQ, for example, still references the dead link. The partnership was kinda ill-conceived to begin with; getting access to the store meant hooking up to AT&T WiFi, which you wouldn't normally have configured unless you actually had an AT&T WiFi account. We haven't heard any official word here that the deal is in danger, but really, would anyone be welling up if it fell apart?

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Starbucks wiped from Apple's site, but what does it mean? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneipod touchIpodTouchitunesitunes wifi music storeItunesWifiMusicStoremobilemultimediamusic storeMusicStorestarbucksWed, 08 Oct 2008 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks wiped from Apple's site, but what does it mean?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/starbucks-wiped-from-apples-site-but-what-does-it-mean/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/starbucks-wiped-from-apples-site-but-what-does-it-mean/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/starbucks-wiped-from-apples-site-but-what-does-it-mean/#comments
Fresh off an extensive corporate decaffeination downsizing and a scaling back of its foray into music sales, it's a fair question to ask: just how ironclad is Starbucks' commitment to rolling out iTunes WiFi Music Store integration across its entire chain? We just happened to notice that the Starbucks page on Apple's site is now stone-cold gone, redirecting to the standard iTunes 8 stuff. You might say "no big deal, Apple's just playing down an agreement that's now been in place for a full year," but there's some other weirdness, too -- the company's iTunes WiFi Music Store at Starbucks FAQ, for example, still references the dead link. The partnership was kinda ill-conceived to begin with; getting access to the store meant hooking up to AT&T WiFi, which you wouldn't normally have configured unless you actually had an AT&T WiFi account. We haven't heard any official word here that the deal is in danger, but really, would anyone be welling up if it fell apart?

Filed under: , , ,

Starbucks wiped from Apple's site, but what does it mean? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneipod touchIpodTouchitunesitunes wifi music storeItunesWifiMusicStoremusic storeMusicStoreportable audioportableaudiostarbucksWed, 08 Oct 2008 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T's free iPhone WiFi is (update: was) live at last]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/atandts-free-iphone-wifi-is-live-at-last/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/atandts-free-iphone-wifi-is-live-at-last/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/atandts-free-iphone-wifi-is-live-at-last/#commentsDespite AT&T's best attempts at completely failing its free WiFi promises eternally, iPhone owners can finally fire up Mobile Safari in their local Starbucks, or, um, that one other place we heard about with AT&T WiFi, and get browsing. Of course, that's not to say the service won't crash horribly in the next 10 minutes, but at least AT&T stuck by its word, and can now move on to more pressing issues.

Update: Yeah, turns out this isn't true, and AT&T has pulled the page. Free WiFi? That's just silly.

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AT&T's free iPhone WiFi is (update: was) live at last originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleattmobilestarbuckswifiFri, 18 Jul 2008 10:38:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T's free iPhone WiFi is (update: was) live at last]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/atandts-free-iphone-wifi-is-live-at-last/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/atandts-free-iphone-wifi-is-live-at-last/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/atandts-free-iphone-wifi-is-live-at-last/#commentsDespite AT&T's best attempts at completely failing its free WiFi promises eternally, iPhone owners can finally fire up Mobile Safari in their local Starbucks, or, um, that one other place we heard about with AT&T WiFi, and get browsing. Of course, that's not to say the service won't crash horribly in the next 10 minutes, but at least AT&T stuck by its word, and can now move on to more pressing issues.

Update: Yeah, turns out this isn't true, and AT&T has pulled the page. Free WiFi? That's just silly.

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AT&T's free iPhone WiFi is (update: was) live at last originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attstarbuckswifiFri, 18 Jul 2008 10:38:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile, AT&T & Starbucks reach new agreement over WiFi switchover]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/t-mobile-atandt-and-starbucks-reach-new-agreement-over-wifi-switcho/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/t-mobile-atandt-and-starbucks-reach-new-agreement-over-wifi-switcho/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/t-mobile-atandt-and-starbucks-reach-new-agreement-over-wifi-switcho/#commentsT-Mobile HotSpotJust when we thought things were kosher between Starbucks, T-Mobile, and AT&T over the Wi-Fi switchover, it turns out that T-Mobile isn't so happy with how the deal is playing out. They claimed Starbucks secretly colluded with AT&T to offer free WiFi access and left T-Mobile in the lurch. The lawsuit, filed last week in New York state court, alleges that AT&T and Starbucks weren't sticking to the terms of the original agreement, which would have allowed T-Mobile customers to freely roam on the new AT&T service. Now, it seems, they've all entered into a "memorandum of understanding to resolve their disputes and are committed to providing a high quality WiFi experience for customers." So far, though, we don't know any details as to what this agreement will mean for T-Mobile WiFi subscribers, but we'll keep an eye on this.

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T-Mobile, AT&T & Starbucks reach new agreement over WiFi switchover originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atthotspotstarbuckst-mobiletmobilewifiWed, 11 Jun 2008 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile files suit against Starbucks over WiFi transition to AT&T]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/06/t-mobile-files-suit-against-starbucks-over-wifi-transition-to-at/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/06/t-mobile-files-suit-against-starbucks-over-wifi-transition-to-at/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/06/t-mobile-files-suit-against-starbucks-over-wifi-transition-to-at/#comments
That deal AT&T whipped out of their hats to take over T-Mobile's position as sole provider of WiFi at Starbucks? Turns out T-Mo is pissed about how the transition has gone down, and has filed suit against the buxx alleging collusion with AT&T, despite their supposedly exclusive agreement. Apparently T-Mo was basically allowed to run out its time serving and promoting WiFi service while Starbucks shops slowly converted over to AT&T. But T-Mo feels like it's basically been pushed out (you don't say!), claiming only two markets (San Antonio and Bakersfield) have actually legitimately transitioned to AT&T -- far too little for Starbucks to come off like T-Mo service is done and over. We don't know how much the suit's worth in damages, but it sounds like they'll be after a lot more cash than their magenta-related filings have brought in.

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T-Mobile files suit against Starbucks over WiFi transition to AT&T originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 22:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attlawsuitlegalstarbuckst-mobilewifiFri, 06 Jun 2008 22:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Free AT&T WiFi now at Starbucks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/03/free-atandt-wifi-now-at-starbucks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/03/free-atandt-wifi-now-at-starbucks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/03/free-atandt-wifi-now-at-starbucks/#comments
It all looks legit and final. AT&T and Starbucks have finally rolled out their free WiFi plan to Starbucks Card users registered with AT&T. In exchange for letting AT&T send you up to 4 emails per year, you get a single WiFi session of up to 2-hours per day at any of Starbucks' 7,000 or so US-based stores. Now get out of here, and don't forget your MacBook for some conspicuous posing and caffeine consumption.

[Via Gear Diary]

Free AT&T WiFi now at Starbucks originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attfreestarbuckswifiTue, 03 Jun 2008 07:11:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T WiFi access now listed as "included" with iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/atandt-wifi-access-now-listed-as-included-with-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/atandt-wifi-access-now-listed-as-included-with-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/atandt-wifi-access-now-listed-as-included-with-iphone/#comments
We're not exactly sure what was going on with that whole on-again / off-again love affair with iPhones having gratis access to AT&T WiFi hotspots, but we're content with letting bygones be bygones. On the slightly tweaked iPhone "Plans" page, the carrier now lists "Access to AT&T WiFi hotspots" as an included feature along with call forwarding, 3-way calling and Caller ID. Sure, it's not a bona fide press release, but same difference, right?

[Via MacRumors]

Update: Oh, ha, it's gone again. We have a feeling it'll be back soon enough though.

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AT&T WiFi access now listed as "included" with iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 May 2008 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessappleatthotspotinternetiphonestarbuckswifiThu, 08 May 2008 08:23:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T WiFi access now listed as "included" with iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/atandt-wifi-access-now-listed-as-included-with-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/atandt-wifi-access-now-listed-as-included-with-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/atandt-wifi-access-now-listed-as-included-with-iphone/#comments
We're not exactly sure what was going on with that whole on-again / off-again love affair with iPhones having gratis access to AT&T WiFi hotspots, but we're content with letting bygones be bygones. On the slightly tweaked iPhone "Plans" page, the carrier now lists "Access to AT&T WiFi hotspots" as an included feature along with call forwarding, 3-way calling and Caller ID. Sure, it's not a bona fide press release, but same difference, right?

[Via MacRumors]

Update: Oh, ha, it's gone again. We have a feeling it'll be back soon enough though.

Filed under: , , , , ,

AT&T WiFi access now listed as "included" with iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 May 2008 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessappleatandtattedgegsmhotspotinternetiphoneiphone osiphoneosmobilestarbuckswifiThu, 08 May 2008 08:23:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T WiFi hotspots free to iPhone owners, anyone with a brain]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/atandt-wifi-hotspots-free-to-iphone-owners-anyone-with-a-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/atandt-wifi-hotspots-free-to-iphone-owners-anyone-with-a-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/atandt-wifi-hotspots-free-to-iphone-owners-anyone-with-a-brain/#comments
Now that AT&T has full control of wireless hotspots like Starbucks and Barnes and Nobles, it looks like they're doling out freebies to their favorite customers: iPhone users. Apparently, if you've got one of Apple's devices, you can hop on the WiFi networks for exactly zero dollars provided you enter your phone number at a login screen. Great for iPhone owners, but a raw deal for everyone else, right? Not so fast, apparently a dumb hack gets you the service on the house too -- just switch your browser's user agent to Mobile Safari, and presto! Free internet. We can't imagine this is a hole that won't get plugged real fast, so get it while the gettin's good.

[Via TUAW]

Read - AT&T Providing Free Wi-Fi Access to iPhone Users
Read - Hotspot hack

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AT&T WiFi hotspots free to iPhone owners, anyone with a brain originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 May 2008 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleattbarnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblehotspotiphonestarbuckswifiwirelesswireless hotspotWirelessHotspotThu, 01 May 2008 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T and Starbucks officially begin WiFi rollout]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/25/atandt-and-starbucks-begin-wifi-rollout/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/25/atandt-and-starbucks-begin-wifi-rollout/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/25/atandt-and-starbucks-begin-wifi-rollout/#comments
Remember that WiFi pact brewed up between AT&T and Starbucks earlier this year? How could you forget, right? As if it wasn't official enough already, the two have announced that the rollout has begun at company-operated Starbucks locations, and the nationwide effort will continue throughout 2008. Effective May 1st, qualifying AT&T high-speed internet / WiFi customers -- that's those who subscribe to one of the three higher-speed residential broadband packages, a small business broadband package or a U-verse offering with high-speed internet -- will have free WiFi access at over 7,000 coffeehouses across the US. Unfortunately, we're not given any real insight into what kinds of potential deals are in the works for AT&T wireless customers (if any at all), but here's to hoping you all can get a little love, too.

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AT&T and Starbucks officially begin WiFi rollout originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attcoffeehotspotindustryofficialpartnerpartnershipstarbuckswifiFri, 25 Apr 2008 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[First Starbucks switching over to AT&T WiFi]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/15/first-starbucks-switching-over-to-atandt-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/15/first-starbucks-switching-over-to-atandt-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/15/first-starbucks-switching-over-to-atandt-wifi/#comments
Starbucks said it would transition to AT&T-provided WiFi sometime this spring, and it looks like T-Mobile's getting the boot right on schedule. The first Starbucks to switch over is just 4.2 miles away from AT&T corporate headquarters in San Antonio, at 5321 South Broadway Road, and the rest of the country should come on market-by-market. Anyone else seen any activity? T-Mobile customers still getting access, as promised? Let us know in comments!

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First Starbucks switching over to AT&T WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attsan antonioSanAntoniostarbuckswifiTue, 15 Apr 2008 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Pranksters invade Starbucks with desktop computers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/25/pranksters-invade-starbucks-with-desktop-computers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/25/pranksters-invade-starbucks-with-desktop-computers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/25/pranksters-invade-starbucks-with-desktop-computers/#comments
We've already seen the confusion and hilarity some so-called "portable" computers can cause when taken out into public, but those shenanigans are nothing compared to the scene stirred up when the folks from Improv Everywhere lugged some ancient desktop computers (replete with CRT monitors) into a Starbucks. As you can see in the video after the break, they surprisingly weren't kicked out, but they did manage to attract a fair bit of attention, including from a few folks that thought the computers were set up for public use. Be sure to head up the read link below for the full report, as well as another video with the team relishing in their accomplishment.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Pranksters invade Starbucks with desktop computers

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Pranksters invade Starbucks with desktop computers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>improvimprove everywhereImproveEverywhereprankstarbucksMon, 25 Feb 2008 16:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Quickorder app would keep iPod touch owners hooked on Starbucks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/16/quickorder-app-would-keep-ipod-touch-owners-hooked-on-starbucks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/16/quickorder-app-would-keep-ipod-touch-owners-hooked-on-starbucks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/16/quickorder-app-would-keep-ipod-touch-owners-hooked-on-starbucks/#comments
You're already well aware that Apple and Starbucks are buddy-buddy on at least some level, but this application would really cement their friendship. Quickorder, as you can probably imagine, would enable iPod touch users to swing by their local Starbucks, order up their favorite drink and avoid a good deal of that always questionable human interaction. Granted, what you're peering at above is still a mockup for now, but it's brimming with potential, no? Hit up the read link for lots more pics.

[Via DVICE]

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Quickorder app would keep iPod touch owners hooked on Starbucks originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applicationconceptipod touchIpodTouchmockupquickorderstarbucksSat, 16 Feb 2008 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks brews up WiFi pact with AT&T, disconnects T-Mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/starbucks-brews-up-wifi-relationship-with-atandt-tosses-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/starbucks-brews-up-wifi-relationship-with-atandt-tosses-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/starbucks-brews-up-wifi-relationship-with-atandt-tosses-t-mobile/#comments
Announced today, Starbucks is gearing up to transition its WiFi relationship from T-Mobile to AT&T in over 7,000 of its locations in the US. For T-Mobile HotSpot customers feelin' a bit like day old espresso right about now, fret not, as the coffee giant has assured us all that you folks "will be able to continue to access WiFi services at no additional cost through an agreement between AT&T and T-Mobile." Starting "sometime this Spring," Starbucks card holders will be treated to two hours of free WiFi access per day, while more than 12 million "qualifying AT&T broadband and U-verse internet customers will have unlimited free access." For whatever it's worth, the press release also notes that the carrier will "soon extend the benefits of WiFi at Starbucks to its wireless customers," but it (sadly) fails to elaborate. For those of you out there without any ties to AT&T, expect to pony up $3.99 for a two hour session or $19.99 for monthly access.

[Via mocoNews]

Read - Starbucks to expand technology relationship with AT&T
Read - More than 12 million AT&T, Starbucks customers to get free WiFi access

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Starbucks brews up WiFi pact with AT&T, disconnects T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attbusinesscoffeedealhotspotindustrypartnerpartnershipstarbuckst-mobilewifiMon, 11 Feb 2008 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks brews up WiFi pact with AT&T, disconnects T-Mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/starbucks-brews-up-wifi-relationship-with-atandt-tosses-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/starbucks-brews-up-wifi-relationship-with-atandt-tosses-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/starbucks-brews-up-wifi-relationship-with-atandt-tosses-t-mobile/#comments
Announced today, Starbucks is gearing up to transition its WiFi relationship from T-Mobile to AT&T in over 7,000 of its locations in the US. For T-Mobile HotSpot customers feelin' a bit like day old espresso right about now, fret not, as the coffee giant has assured us all that you folks "will be able to continue to access WiFi services at no additional cost through an agreement between AT&T and T-Mobile." Starting "sometime this Spring," Starbucks card holders will be treated to two hours of free WiFi access per day, while more than 12 million "qualifying AT&T broadband and U-verse internet customers will have unlimited free access." For whatever it's worth, the press release also notes that the carrier will "soon extend the benefits of WiFi at Starbucks to its wireless customers," but it (sadly) fails to elaborate. For those of you out there without any ties to AT&T, expect to pony up $3.99 for a two hour session or $19.99 for monthly access.

[Via mocoNews]
Read - Starbucks to expand technology relationship with AT&T
Read - More than 12 million AT&T, Starbucks customers to get free WiFi access

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Starbucks brews up WiFi pact with AT&T, disconnects T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atandtattbusinesscoffeedealhotspotindustrymobilepartnerpartnershipstarbuckst mobilet-mobiletmobilewifiMon, 11 Feb 2008 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple and Starbucks iTunes WiFi integration hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/07/apple-and-starbucks-itunes-wifi-integration-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/07/apple-and-starbucks-itunes-wifi-integration-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/07/apple-and-starbucks-itunes-wifi-integration-hands-on/#comments
Remember how Apple and Starbucks announced their partnership to sell music to Apple customers through the eighty 'Bucks locations per square city block? Well, the rollouts have begun, and as of today iPhone, iPod touch, and iTunes users can roll into just about any Starbucks in Seattle, New York, and now the SF bay area -- all in all about 800-900 spots -- and see what's playing over Starbucks radio and download a bunch of Starbucks-programmed music. We got a chance to sit down with Apple and Starbucks folks at a participating location in downtown San Francisco, here's what we learned:
  • Connecting iTunes through Starbucks is eminently simple: connect to the T-Mobile AP. That's it. It's all done behind the paywall, so you don't have to fork out $10 to get online to use the service. (You can also visit apple.com behind the paywall, but not .Mac services.)
  • As soon as you connect to the Starbucks T-Mobile AP with your iPhone / iPod touch / desktop machine running iTunes, you'll see Starbucks music show up in your iTunes Store interface. (Hit the gallery to see how it works.)
  • Downloading a track was reasonably fast, but the WiFi kept dropping with both our iPhone and MacBook Pro, leading us to believe there were some issues with the T-Mo hotspot. The download recovered fine through multiple disconnections, but it took us a little over 7 minutes to grab a single 8.5MB iTunes Plus track -- so be careful before grabbing an entire album.
More info after the break; check out the gallery for shots of the Starbucks store on a hacked iPhone (of course it works) and from iTunes on a Mac.

Gallery: Apple and Starbucks iTunes WiFi integration hands-on

Continue reading Apple and Starbucks iTunes WiFi integration hands-on

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Apple and Starbucks iTunes WiFi integration hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneipodipod touchIpodTouchitunesportable audioportableaudiostarbuckswifiWed, 07 Nov 2007 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: The DAP, the Frap, the pap and the gap]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/08/switched-on-the-dap-the-frap-the-pap-and-the-gap/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/08/switched-on-the-dap-the-frap-the-pap-and-the-gap/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/08/switched-on-the-dap-the-frap-the-pap-and-the-gap/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about technology, multimedia, and digital entertainment:


The iPod and iTunes haven't ostensibly suffered for (and have arguably gained from the) lack of a subscription music service. However, while such services have proven a tough sell to consumers at large, they have their benefits. One is the general liberation from the 30-second sample, a tiny prison of time that makes it difficult to engage in meaningful music discovery, the silver lining in the digital cloud that has been raining on the music industry for so many years.

In contrast to Rhapsody, Napster and Microsoft's Zune Pass, which offer several ways within their software for subscribers to hear full tracks in which they might be interested, Apple has recently turned "out of band" for music discovery. The high-profile announcement with Starbucks at the introduction of Apple's latest round of iPods brings the portable devices to where the free music is rather than vice versa. Among Apple's portable music players, the automatic track identification works only with the iPod touch and the iPhone. However, the flat-panel televisions in New York City Starbucks locations also note PCs and Macs as suitable (and prevalent) clients for purchasing music played at the popular coffee retailer.

An encouraging aspect of the collaboration between Starbucks and Apple is that the right company is making the brown product. However, one hot spot of trouble brewing in this Half-n-Half is that one can listen to the music only at a Starbucks location. This begs whether Apple would continue such a partnership when the iPhone finally gets access to 3G (perhaps to the scandalous exclusion of AT&T) or whether it or another device such as the iPod touch embrace WiMAX. But extending access to Starbucks' percolated playlists need not wait for such wireless advances. The two companies could enable access via a simple option in iTunes that would stream Starbucks' Hear Music XM station -- or an equivalent -- via any broadband connection.

Continue reading Switched On: The DAP, the Frap, the pap and the gap

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Switched On: The DAP, the Frap, the pap and the gap originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplefeaturesiPodlalamusic discoveryMusicDiscoveryNapsterportable audioportableaudioRhapsodyRoss RubinRossRubinStarbuckssubscription servicesSubscriptionServicesSwitched OnSwitchedOnMon, 08 Oct 2007 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks planning 50 million song giveaway for iTunes launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/24/starbucks-planning-50-million-song-giveaway-for-itunes-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/24/starbucks-planning-50-million-song-giveaway-for-itunes-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/24/starbucks-planning-50-million-song-giveaway-for-itunes-launch/#comments
We knew Starbucks was kicking off its new partnership with Apple on October 2nd, but apparently the 'bucks is pulling out all the stops for the launch with a 50 million song giveaway to start things off. From October 2nd to November 7th, baristas across the country will be handing out 1.5 million "Song of the day" cards each day, which can be redeemed at Apple's iTunes store -- though most stores won't have the free iTunes functionality set up for redeeming your prize in-store by the time the promotion ends. There will be 600 stores in New York and Seattle offering up free iTunes downloads via laptop, iPhone or iPod touch on October 2nd, with San Francisco to follow in early November. Starbucks will also start selling "digital release" cards that let you download a specific album online. Starbucks promises to upgrade a quarter of its stores to iTunes-fi by the end of the year, and roll out the functionality to its entire chain of WiFi shops by the end of 2009.

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Starbucks planning 50 million song giveaway for iTunes launch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleitunesportable audioportableaudiostarbucksMon, 24 Sep 2007 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's "The Beat Goes On" event news roundup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apples-the-beat-goes-on-event-news-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apples-the-beat-goes-on-event-news-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apples-the-beat-goes-on-event-news-roundup/#comments
Apple came out swinging today, with three entirely new iPod models, a color refresh of the shuffle, the launch of the iTunes WiFi Music Store, iPhone ringtones and a price cut, and a partnership with Starbucks -- if you blinked and missed something, here's a brief recap of what went down at Moscone West:

Live Coverage / Hands-on
iPod / iTunes
iPhone

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Apple's "The Beat Goes On" event news roundup originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneipodipod classicipod nanoipod shuffleipod touchIpodClassicIpodNanoIpodShuffleIpodTouchitunesitunes wifi music storeItunesWifiMusicStoreportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoringtonesstarbucksWed, 05 Sep 2007 19:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple and Starbucks join up for iTunes WiFi purchases]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apple-and-starbucks-join-up-for-itunes-wifi-purchases/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apple-and-starbucks-join-up-for-itunes-wifi-purchases/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apple-and-starbucks-join-up-for-itunes-wifi-purchases/#comments
Before you get too excited about this new "feature" Apple announced today in regards to its iTunes WiFi Music Store, you should be warned it's not half as neat as it sounds. Apple and Starbucks are partnering to bring you that lame sauce song playing way too loudly over your local Starbucks's soundsystem. When you're in a Starbucks T-Mobile hotspot, an icon will pop up on the iTunes WiFi Music Store that allows you to purchase that track from a playlist of recently played songs in that store. You also get free WiFi access to the iTunes Music Store -- not quite as great as full-on free WiFi, but we'll take what we can get.

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Apple and Starbucks join up for iTunes WiFi purchases originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleitunes wifiItunesWifiportable audioportableaudiostarbucksWed, 05 Sep 2007 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Fon wants you to help steal business from Starbucks and T-Mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/21/fon-wants-you-to-help-steal-business-from-starbucks-and-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/21/fon-wants-you-to-help-steal-business-from-starbucks-and-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/21/fon-wants-you-to-help-steal-business-from-starbucks-and-t-mobile/#comments
 Oh tricky, sneaky Fon. Fresh off their 10,000 Fonero giveaway, they're stepping up the ante with how they give away their loss-leader routers. Their newest campaign is sure to strike a chord with armchair entrepreneurs and Adbusters fans alike: if you live within the immediate vicinity of a Starbucks (read: WiFi range), Fon would like to send you one of their Foneros. Why? Because, if you recall, when you allow users to connect with your internet connection over your Fonero, Fon splits the profit with you -- $1 for every user (who pays $2 to use your connection). So for every $10 T-Mobile / Starbucks WiFi user you swipe, Fon gives you a buck; now, granted this still isn't a scheme for those paranoid about home network security, bandwidth usage, or nefarious hax0rs type with a spoofed MAC and a keen eye for easy hotspot access, but who knows, for those near Starbucks (yes, they'll be checking against known locations) it might even be worth it to buy a budget DSL line just to profit with Fon.

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Fon wants you to help steal business from Starbucks and T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fonstarbuckst-mobileWed, 21 Feb 2007 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile promises three free months of WiFi for Vista users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/t-mobile-promises-three-free-months-of-wifi-for-vista-users/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/t-mobile-promises-three-free-months-of-wifi-for-vista-users/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/t-mobile-promises-three-free-months-of-wifi-for-vista-users/#commentsWe know, it's a tough call. Do you stick with the operating system you finally got running like a well-oiled machine, or do you throw caution to the wind and pick up Vista even though service packs are already in the works? Just in case you needed a little more persuading to upgrade your laptop to Microsoft's latest OS, or to snag a brand new machine with Vista pre-installed, T-Mobile is hoping to coax users by offering up three months of free hotspot service at the firm's North American WiFi access points found at Starbucks, Borders, FedEx-Kinkos, hotel chains, etc. Interestingly, the offer actually goes "live" on Australia Day, while the freebie comes to an end on April 30th, so if you somehow acquire yourself a copy before the January 30th street date, you can snag a few more precious hours of gratis surfing courtesy of Mr. Gates and T-Mobile.

[Via BetaNews]

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T-Mobile promises three free months of WiFi for Vista users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessbordersdealfedexfreehotspotkinkosstarbuckst-mobilevistawifiThu, 25 Jan 2007 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks contest features image recognition via MMS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/18/starbucks-contest-features-image-recognition-via-mms/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/18/starbucks-contest-features-image-recognition-via-mms/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/18/starbucks-contest-features-image-recognition-via-mms/#commentsIf you're looking for the most high-tech way to win a trip to Costa Rica, we think we've got your answer right here. Starbucks' Summer Pursuit game uses trivia questions sent via SMS to weed out contestants -- nothing too interesting there, but answers can be sent with a reply text or by MMSing a picture of the answer to an email address. Seems a bit dangerous to us, since we're guessing the recognition rate isn't 100% and we Americans sure do like to sue when things don't go our way -- but if it means we can snap a pic of "triple Venti extra-hot sugar-free hazelnut soy latte" instead of typing it in via T9, we're all for it.

[Via textually.org]

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Starbucks contest features image recognition via MMS originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jul 2006 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameracameraphonecontestcosta ricaCostaRicammsmobilemultimediapicturepicture messagePictureMessagesmsstarbuckstext messageTextMessageTue, 18 Jul 2006 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[PhoneTag for Amp'd: stalking friends and strangers in the real world]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/05/phonetag-for-ampd-stalking-friends-and-strangers-in-the-real-w/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/05/phonetag-for-ampd-stalking-friends-and-strangers-in-the-real-w/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/05/phonetag-for-ampd-stalking-friends-and-strangers-in-the-real-w/#commentsMatt Damon and best friend/business partner Ben Affleck will soon be providing us with entertainment at more places than just the cineplex, as the two are set to take over the small screen as well -- on your cellphone. Unfortunately for fans of their acting talents, Damon and Affleck's contribution to the world of mobile content will come in the form of a video game from their production company, LivePlanet, that utilizes the location-awareness functionality on players' mobiles. Called PhoneTag, the subscription-based game is basically a real-world, touchless version of tag, where competitors join a match and use their handsets to track down friends or strangers in real world spaces, hitting a "capture" button when their prey is close enough. This online offering will be available exclusively from Amp'd Mobile, and will feature safehouses sponsored by establishments such as Starbucks, where players can congregate to become untraceable on their opponents' maps (and obviously pass the time drinking copious amounts of coffee).

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PhoneTag for Amp'd: stalking friends and strangers in the real world originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Apr 2006 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd mobileAmp'dMobileben affleckBenAffleckgamesgood will huntingGoodWillHuntinggpsliveplanetlocation-basedmatt damonMattDamonmobilemvnosphonetagstarbucksvideogamesWed, 05 Apr 2006 10:43:00 EST