Starbucks launched the beta test of its Web3 'Odyssey' Loyalty Program and NFT community

On December 8, Starbucks launched the beta test of its eagerly awaited Odyssey program. This program combines customer loyalty rewards with non-fungible token collecting and other gamified elements.

The Web3 extension of its Starbucks Rewards program is currently accessible to only a “small group of waitlist members,” such as Starbuck’s staff members and customers. This program allows them to participate in interactive “Journeys” and collect “Journey Stamps” in the form of Polygon-based NFTs. Users also receive “Odyssey Points” that grant access to future new benefits and experiences like virtual classes for preparing espresso martinis, exclusive events, and trips to Starbucks roasteries and coffee farms.

To access Starbucks Odyssey after receiving an invitation, users must have an existing Starbucks Rewards account, as this program is linked to the company’s larger loyalty scheme.

The firm describes Starbucks Odyssey as “an experience, surrounded by a digital community, where members can come together, interact, and share their love of coffee.”

Users invited to the beta launch will also have access to the Starbucks Odyssey marketplace which is powered by Nifty Gateway and launched in 2023. That means they can buy and sell their digital collectible Stamps on the Odyssey marketplace. Starbucks revealed Odyssey members don’t need to use cryptocurrency or a crypto wallet to buy Stamps; they can do so straight with a credit card.

The Odyssey project has been built by Forum3 which was founded by former Starbucks Chief Digital Officer Adam Brotman and Seattle-based VC and ex-Microsoft exec Andy Sack. Both are now Forum3’s Cofounders and Co-CEOs.
Adam Brotman has been most recognized for the the creation of Starbucks’ loyalty mobile app which boasts over 50 million registered.
According to Andy Sack, the idea of Odyssey was sparked by a desire to “delight the consumer with unique digital experiences.”

Sack claimed that Starbucks’ interim CEO Howard Schultz contacted him and Brotman first. In addition, Brady Brewer, Starbucks’ chief marketing officer and Brotman’s close friend, also played a crucial role in making the concept a reality.

According to Brewer, Starbucks didn’t want to treat its investment as a “stunt” side project, but rather wanted to use the tech to expand its existing loyalty program. Thus, the company had been investigating blockchain technologies for a couple of years, but it has only been involved in this particular project for around six months.

On December 8, Starbucks sent the first invites to a small group of waitlist members. It will begin sending monthly invitations to a larger group of waitlist members in January 2023.

For Polygon’s this has added to a successful year of the blockchain network when it has been trusted by many well-known consumer-focused brands such as Nike, Starbucks, Reddit to create their web3 experience.

This event has also contributed to a successful year for Polygon after it has been chosen by many well-known consumer-focused brands, such as Reddit, Starbucks, Nike and Robinhood, to create their web3 experiences.
—
TechBiz gathers information from Techcrunch and Coindesk

Google Maps to revolutionize navigation with Satellite features, eliminating dead zones

East Asia’s Growth Outpaces Global Average Amidst China’s Economic Challenges, Says World Bank

EU Probes Apple, Google and Meta for Potential Violations of New Digital Law

Massive Changes Coming to Google Chrome Threaten to Reshape the Modern Internet

Reddit makes a splash with spectacular stock debut

In a highly anticipated market debut, Reddit stock took off, closing its first day of trading with a staggering 48% surge from its initial public offering (IPO) price of $34 per share. The social media giant’s stock concluded the day at $50.44, propelling its market capitalization to over $8 billion.

Vietnam’s Vingroup Makes Strategic Move with $1.6 Billion Sale of Vincom Retail Stake

In a significant move in Vietnam’s corporate landscape, Vingroup, the country’s largest conglomerate, has completed the sale of a 41.5% stake and other assets in its retail arm, Vincom Retail, for a staggering $1.6 billion. This transaction ranks among the largest mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals in Vietnam in recent years, underscoring the dynamism of the country’s economy and corporate sector.

NVIDIA and Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s AI Collaboration Revolutionizing Surgery

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various facets of healthcare has revolutionized patient care, and its impact on surgery is poised to be profound. Leveraging AI’s capabilities to connect, analyze, and predict based on operating room data holds the promise of enhancing surgical efficiency and clinical decision-making. Recognizing this potential, NVIDIA has partnered with Johnson & Johnson MedTech to explore new AI capabilities within the realm of surgery, with the goal of advancing the company’s connected digital ecosystem for surgical procedures.

Alphabet-Apple Collaboration Unveiling Gemini AI for iPhone Innovation

Landmark Verdict: $60 Million Penalty Imposed on Mead Johnson in Enfamil Baby Formula Case

Devin AI: Pioneering the future as the first AI software engineer

In the fast-paced world of software development, innovation is the name of the game. Cognition, a leading tech company, has introduced a groundbreaking solution that promises to transform the industry as we know it: Devin AI, the world’s first AI software engineer. Devin AI is not just another tool in the developer’s toolbox; it’s a game-changer that leverages the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate coding tasks and streamline the development process.

Job Interview Red Flags: Phrases to avoid according to a former Google recruiter

When it comes to acing a job interview, there are certain tactics that can help you stand out and impress prospective employers. From showcasing your passion for the role to demonstrating problem-solving skills, there are plenty of strategies to employ. However, it’s equally important to be mindful of phrases that could raise red flags during the interview process.

US Pushes for ByteDance to Sell TikTok, But China Likely to Refuse

The ongoing saga between the United States and ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant behind the popular social media platform TikTok, has taken another turn. With the House approving a bill requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok within roughly six months, the possibility of a forced sale or effective ban looms large.