Ordering a coffee is simple, but using AI chat to outperform the Starbucks app is a significant challenge.
I always order a Venti iced coffee with light skim milk at Starbucks. It’s been my go-to, except for a brief period enjoying the caffe misto. In-person ordering is second nature, while the app takes just four taps.
Trying Starbucks’ new ChatGPT feature was a disaster. You begin by typing “@Starbucks” and your order into ChatGPT, but it didn’t proceed as expected. After typing my order, ChatGPT offered a brief description of the iced coffee instead of placing it. A menu appeared with options for iced coffee; I had to customize, choose the size, and select milk before adding it to my cart, or end up with a Grande black iced coffee.
This took longer than using the Starbucks app’s quick ordering process. Despite delays, I added my wife’s “fruity tea,” but ChatGPT guessed wrong. Finally, I identified it as Passion Tango Tea, customized, and added it to the cart.
Then, a warning: “This chat is nearing its limit.” Surprised, I tried to checkout, but ChatGPT had my location wrong. Attempts to change it failed, and I exhausted my message limit, downgrading my model for the next five hours.
The experience was frustrating, yet I persevered, starting over with a simplified order. ChatGPT confirmed it but couldn’t place the order, only guide me to use the Starbucks app. The downgraded model couldn’t access advanced features or recall my prior interactions.
This app, like many AI tools, seems designed for nonexistent users. Starbucks’ blog suggests prompts like “Recommend a drink that matches my outfit vibe” or “I want something cozy and nutty,” but who orders like that? At best, these AI tools offer silly diversions; at worst, they inspire complex, viral drink orders that overwhelm baristas.
The ideal AI coffee ordering would let me say, “order me coffee,” and my assistant would effortlessly know my preferences and location. Though promising AI agents like Google’s Gemini aim to automate tasks intuitively, chat interfaces fall short for such straightforward transactions, particularly when caffeine awaits.