Starbucks to launch coffee payment iPhone app

Seattle Starbucks is testing a software application that will allow customers to pay for purchases using their iPhones.

The company is also launching a second app that helps customers find the nearest Starbucks store and provides information about what's on the menu.

Starbucks said the ideas came from customer feedback and from My Starbucks Idea, an online suggestion box launched last year.

Other unofficial Starbucks apps for the iPhone already did some of the things the new apps will do. These include iApp's Find a Starbucks Coffee, Snow Storm’s Expresso Pro and ourLivez’s Sbux Card.

The payment app is being tested in 16 stores in Seattle and the Bay Area.