Starbucks' latest product, "The Pen", features NFC payment. (Image via The Verge)

Starbucks hits Japan with NFC wallet

Starbucks Japan hit the market with its latest product. Not coffee, not tumbler, but an NFC wallet. Starbucks is already well-known for its card. However, the product is not a card either. It’s a pen, and it is called “Starbucks Touch: The Pen”.

The pen is set to add your collection of “Starbucks Touch” series which consists of four items: a phone case (The Cup), flask (The Drip), handbag (The Hug), and pen (The Pen). Recently in July, Starbucks released the limited handbag with NFC reader through a lottery. The handbag is called, “Starbucks Touch: The Hug”.

Filled with espresso brown ink gel, the pen can do things other than writing. Within the card, there is an NFC reader chip from Sony called “FeliCa” which links with your digital pocket. FeliCa chip also powers Starbucks Card in Japan.

While “The Hug” was only available for a short period and only by lottery, “The Pen” might be found more easily. Set to be released Wednesday (25/9) next week, “The Pen” is available in three variant colors: silver, black, and white. The design of “The Pen” might remind you of Starbucks’ coffee machine.

“The Pen” costs about ¥4,000 (around US$47) with tax excluded.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/18/20871830/starbucks-japan-touch-nfc-pen-announced