Quick news - Starbucks Japan launches NFC-enabled pen

Japanese caffeine hounds can now pay for their salted caramel mocha frappuccinos with a Starbucks-branded NFC-enabled pen.

As first spotted by The Verge, the coffee chain has begun selling the FeliCa technology-enabled 'Starbucks Touch: The Pen' for 4000 yen (nearly $40), with 1000 yen preloaded.

The digital wallet-linked pen comes in three colours and brown, coffee-coloured ink.

The pen is not the first Starbucks Touch item; the chain has also sold NFC-enabled phone cases, flasks and a small purse called the 'Hug'.