How about a free digital magazine, video or newspaper while you slurp that latte?
They're being given away by Starbucks on an ambitious new digital media network launched recently in the company's stores.
The free Starbucks Digital Network includes premium news, entertainment and health content that's viewable only in the stores on phones, computers and tablet devices. No registration is required, unless customers want to log in to their Starbucks account.
It's a complete refresh of the Starbucks' in-store digital offering, which has evolved in fits and starts over the past decade as the company experimented with partnerships with Apple, kiosks and phone companies.
"There is a pull-through of that here, but the rest of it is really new, an exciting new way that we can enhance the customer experience and engage with customers," said Adam Brotman, vice president of Starbucks Digital Ventures.
The network will immediately become a major digital property, facing tens of millions of customers every month. Last month, Starbucks saw more than 30 million users logging into store networks, where Wi-Fi has been free since July and where the "SDN" will be the initial landing page.
Yahoo built the platform for Starbucks and is powering the service. It's a flexible design that can rotate and add new content and applications. The network is largely free of ads. Starbucks is hoping to make money from the network by sharing revenue on content sold through the network, such as iTunes music and newspaper subscriptions.
Content partners are also expected to provide something special, such as free access to premium content or exclusive previews. That will enhance the customer experience in Starbucks stores and potentially draw more customers, Brotman said.
