Smart Phones, Smart Aps, Smart Business

So-called 2D bar code ads in which smartphone users can scan offers in train stations, airports and other public places to receive discounts, free e-books or other promotional offers are being tested in the Albany, N.Y., transit system, Denver International Airport and other sites. For marketers, "this is the holy grail of advertising -- interactive media in public places," said Michael Becker, North American managing director for the Mobile Marketing Association.

Starbucks has expanded a program that allows customers to order and pay using their smartphones to 300 stores in New York City and Long Island. The coffee chain began testing the service earlier this year at 16 Seattle and North Carolina locations, as well as 1,000 Target locations. In addition, the Starbucks app lets customers check coffee-card balances and reload their cards using a major credit card. InformationWeek