- Press the Search button on your Nokia Lumia and then tap Vision
- Scan the QR code
- Tap on the link when it appears on the screen
- Install the app from the Windows Phone Store
So when I was asked to have a look at the new Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) app for use on Nokia Lumia Windows Phones, I practically spilled my coffee jumping at the chance. This app is exclusive to Windows Phone through the end of May, and it places the entire CBTL experience in the palm of your hand.
For those who don’t know, CBTL is a specialty coffee – and tea – retailer with locations across the United States and in select locations in other countries. If you need a quick caffeine fix, the app includes a page that highlights the CBTL locations that are closest to you – as long as you let the app know your current location.
Your coffee concierge
When you select one of the locations, you can quickly see what services and amenities are available at that specific store – such as in-store Wi-Fi, whether they accept gift cards, if they have drive-thru or catering to go, as well as something called the “Frozen Swirl”.
You can quickly find walking or driving directions using Nokia HERE and also complete your Foursquare check-in at your chosen CBTL shop with a single click.
From the coffee bean page of the app, the first item you will see is the “in-store playlist” which is directly linked to the Nokia Music app, and lets you experience the music being played in CBTL locations – it’s like a private radio station that matches your coffee-drinking mood.
There’s much more to explore within the app. In fact, the home screen for the app is called “explore”. Here you will find all CBTL products, see their latest seasonal offerings (a Chai Tea Cappuccino anyone?), and learn about their Caring Cup program which supports charities and foundations.
Create your dream coffee drink
And of course, this is where you will find the drinks – there are so many kinds of coffee drinks – ranging from hot to iced, as well as ice blended varieties. Simply click on the “drinks” icon to get started customizing your drink.
Say you want a Macchiato … Start by picking the size, followed by how much coffee you want in the drink, if it will have milk, flavoring powders, regular or decaf, and any extras, like chocolate drizzle or whipped cream. Click the check mark icon to finish making your virtual drink, and then you can give it a nickname that you will remember and save it to your favorites for future reference.
You can share your drink creation via your social networks, or with a nearby friend using NFC by tapping your phone to another compatible device.
Oh, and there’s one more thing that is likely to keep you coming back for more from the CBTL app … Within the drink section, you will notice a lock icon at the bottom of the screen. Tap on it and see a list of “secret drinks” with oh-so-cool names like the “Dirty Chai Latte” or the “Zebra Hot Chocolate”.
Want to know what is inside those drinks? You will have to choose the right drink and its specific customization to unlock the mystery! Happy hunting.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf app is free to download from the Windows Phone Store.
