Starbucks App Uses Your iPhone to Pay for Lattes

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Starbucks has two new iPhone apps (a double shot, if you will), including a virtual Starbucks card that lets you manage your balance, and—if you're in Seattle and Silicon Valley—actually pay by scanning an on-screen barcode.

The trials haven't expanded from the West Coast yet, but the Starbucks Card Mobile app is free for anyone to download. It also lets you top up your credit, and view previous transactions. In recent times, the card idea has turned into something of a loyalty program where you get free Wi-Fi and refills.

For everyone else, the myStarbucks app can track down stores using the iPhone's GPS, has a nifty drink builder to store your perfect venti-soy-mocha-latte-with-caramel travesty, and lets you look up just how fatty that is. [iTunes: MyStarbucks | Starbucks Card Mobile | via NY Times]