shopkick, Best Buy launching automated check-in rewards

San Francisco startup shopkick is launching its flagship iPhone product today, and it includes rewards for "checking in." Walk into a participating retailer, including Best Buy, Macys, American Eagle Outfitters, the Sports Authority, and more, to earn kickbucks.

In addition, shopping-mall king Simon Property Group is a partner, as well. SPG owns 370 shopping centers nationwide. Twenty-five malls in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago are scheduled to launch with shopkick program by the end of the month.

When you walk in, not necessarily by, a device in the store detects the iPhone app (here's a good example of where background processing is necessary) and awards you kickbucks. No manual check-in or GPS is involved, unlike other apps like Foursquare.

kickbucks can also be earned by scanning products and other promotions, and can then be redeemed later (more details at shopkick's site).

As a technology-based retailer, Best Buy perhaps serves as the flagship partner for shopkick: 187 stores will be up and running with the service today and 257 stores by October 1. The target markets, for now, are San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, New York City and Chicago.

The first question that comes to mind is "when will an Android version be released?" Android has overtaken the iPhone both in the U.S. and worldwide, but shopkick hasn't detailed its plans for an Android version.

Watch a video that demos shopkick: