Launches & Releases: Starbucks "Free" Wi-Fi, New Italian Drink

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Word is that Starbucks will be finally offering its free Wi-Fi starting tomorrow. Per Gizmodo's informant Dave Zatz: "Info comes from the manager of his usual haunt, who gave him a peek at the store memo and signage, though he couldn't take photos. No word on whether iPhone access is coming back tomorrow (or June 9th), unfortunately." Though, it's not entirely free, as the blog reminds: "...you need to register a Starbucks card and use it once a month to get your two free hours a day." Starbucks cards start at $15 online. [Gizmodo]

But the 'Bucks excitement doesn't stop there. Per the LAT via Franklin Avenue, LA-ers can look forward to a new drink: "Los Angeles will be the test market next month for a new line of Italian-style drinks at Starbucks. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz hinted at the news in an L.A. Times interview:

'...We found a fantastic new cold-beverage platform in Italy, and as a result of that we are bringing it to the market. It is a product that is both indulgent and refreshing. . . . It is steeped in Italian heritage. I can't tell you more than that.'"

Apparently, that got commenters buzzing: "The consensus is that it will be some sort of sorbet-based drink, perhaps with yogurt." [Franklin Avenue]