by Dana Esposito, NMS Intern
I was recently at Starbucks and noticed a woman holding her iPhone out to the cashier. My first reaction was “Umm, you need a credit card or cash.” Then I realized she’d offered a barcode on her phone to be scanned.
I let out a “WOW. That’s so cool. How does that app work?” She explained that it was an app linking your phone to a credit card account set up on Starbucks’ website. You choose how often you want to indulge your Starbucks addiction and set it to refill once you use up your desired amount. To the caffeine addicted, this is a dream come true: less things to carry and easy access to their beloved coffee.
To those of us with a short lunch break it is an amazing invention that keeps lines moving quickly, removing the concern of how much cash to bring or which credit card to use.
To the tech savvy, it’s a great invention more establishments should employ to generate more business. With safety being such a factor, many people do not carry cash or few cards. Most however carry their phones.
Currently iPhone, Blackberry, Palm, and Android phones support this application. It’s free to download and safe. If your phone is stolen or lost you can simply log onto your account and shut down the app.
Smart phones have greatly changed the world. Now when I’m getting ready to leave I grab my Blackberry before my keys and purse. Other industries are following suit. Automakers are taking steps to design cars that can be turned on through a smart phone application. If you’re technology obsessed, it’s exciting to see what new devices will be next to simplify our lives.