In an effort to kick off its new partnership with Apple, Starbucks plans to give away up to 1.5 million song downloads per day from October 2 through to November 7 at more than 10,000 of its U.S. stores. When the promotion ends, Starbucks expects to have given away a total of 50 million songs.

Customers will receive free "song of the day" cards to download music chosen by Starbucks. Interestingly, the artists and record labels are providing the music for the promotion for free, according to Starbucks Entertainment president Ken Lombard. The deal is expected to drive traffic to Starbucks and Apple's iTunes store, where customers can buy additional tracks after sampling various artists.

Also on October 2, the coffee specialist will roll out its free wireless connection through its Seattle and New York-based stores that will allow customers to purchase iTunes music through the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, or a notebook, and will also start selling iTunes digital release cards that allow a full album of music and bonus material to be downloaded online.