Passbook

[ImDrRichard]

Hi All -

Are there directions on using Passbook? When I access the App, I get a message that says "Could not connect to the iTunes Store."

Is this because of some issue in my phone (4S) or because the App is not ready to go yet?

Thanks-
Rich

 

[Raz0rEdge]

When I access the app, I'm allowed to hit the App store which shows apps that are Passbook-aware. I downloaded the Target app and then registered for coupons. Once the coupons were available, I could add them to Passbook and next time I visit Target I could have them scan the coupon directly from Passbook..

 

[chas_m]

Passbook does not work like you might expect (and ought to say so on that opening screen). It just stores digital documents that qualify automatically. Buy a ticket from Fandango and you'll see what I mean.

 

[Nighthawk4]

The only one I am offered is Lufthansa.

Not very useful. Presumably this is really USA only - or maybe just too new to be of much help yet?

 

[chas_m]

It's not USA only -- works just fine here in Canada. Do you have a Starbucks loyalty card where you are? Walk into a Starbucks and see if a coupon doesn't appear. Or buy a ticket from Lufthansa and request a boarding pass.

You might also try (if you have a QR code-reading application like RedLaser) scanning a QR code for a coupon: that might be enough to trigger Passbook.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

Odd. I'm having the same problem as the OP. I thought Apple simply hadn't launched the apps for Passbook yet. Hmmmm...

Found the fix. I'm not getting the Store connection error anymore, although it is just hanging there for me with the spinner stuck on "Loading".
Cannot connect to iTunes store

EDIT: it finally stopped hanging. Looks like it's working now.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

I may as well throw this tip out there. There's a website that will let you create your own custom Passbook passes to hold you over until the retailer supports it directly.
PassSource - Create Passbook passes and Manage your own custom Apple iOS 6 Passbook PassKit passes for free for your iPhone

EDIT: Nevermind. I just read their FAQ and found that once they are past the beta period, there will be a monthly fee to use this. Bleah! Also, the one card I just made through them is in my Passbook, but I can't get back to PB's main screen. Bizarre. I had to delete the pass.

 

[TattooedMac]

Passbook is working well in the Airports with Boarding Passes here in Australia. Before PB i would have a boarding pass on my iP4s but it wouldnt scan. No i just hand over to the hostess and its scans ok now. It doesnt pop up as i walk into the Terminal though as Promised by Tim though

 

[gnomishninja]

I'm sure more apps will be Passbook friendly in the coming months. I know that several large chain grocery stores here in the U.S. have digital coupons and I expect to start seeing them making passbook friendly apps.

 

[brtaus]

I have tried to the date "work around" and it still tells me it can't connect to itunes. Then I change the date back to original date and now it is just hanging there with the spinner stuck on loading.

I tried resetting my phone; syncing my phone, restarting the apps.

Any other suggestions?

 

[Stretch]

I wish the Passbook app would replace all the stupid store reward cards I have in my wallet. Its the perfect app for it.

 

[chas_m]

I wish the Passbook app would replace all the stupid store reward cards I have in my wallet. Its the perfect app for it.

It will -- and very soon.

Gyft Brings Gift Cards From Over 200 Retailers To Apple’s Passbook | TechCrunch

In addition to this, I expect Apple will aggressively add retailers as well. Starbucks already works.