Update 2: Starbucks has released an update that seems to have solved the issues many people were experiencing. Cautious optimism that it all works now.
Update: Some users have complained that the app is not compliant with Ice Cream Sandwich, version 4.0 of the Android operating system. I experienced serious bugs with my phone–which immediately went away after I uninstalled the app. There are no reports of this on other operating systems. The app did work for me, but my phone started heating up and my keyboard would intermittently drop out and apps wouldn’t work. Can’t recommend this app until fixes are made.
At long last, the Starbucks app is available for Android users in Canada. If this isn’t a big deal to you, you’ve probably been enjoying your no-whip, no-foam, chai latte and whipping out an iPhone to pay. Time to share those perks with the rest of us.
The app is now available on the Google Play store. You need a few things before you launch it app, though. You have to sign up for an account at Starbucks.ca. You also need to have a Starbucks card.
The app itself is very clean. Once you log in, you can add a card. If you’ve already added your card, your balance and your latest date of transaction should show up on the main screen.
Underneath that is the biggest benefit of the app—the ability to pay with your phone. A barcode will show up for your barista to scan, and it works quite well. Once scanned, you press the little green button that says “done” and your balance updates.
Speaking of your balance, you can “Top-Up” and “Manage” it on the app itself. You can add anywhere from $10 to $100 to your existing Starbucks card, and even set up automatic refreshes so that you’re never without money for that iced white mocha you love so much. Setting up my credit card to do this was no problem at all.
Another useful feature of the app for coffee addicts is the store locator. While I can’t seem to turn my head in downtown Toronto without seeing green and white, it’s a helpful tool for finding nearby stores.
While it may seem that Android always gets played second to iPhone, there’s one wonderful and exclusive bonus to this app: the widget. From one of my home screens, I can see my balance, reward level, find a Starbucks and most importantly, go right to my barcode. Fewer taps, always a bonus!
You can follow Anand Ram on Twitter.
