Seems like a decent idea - I'd definitely use it if I had a chance. One trouble with using the existing coinstar network is I'm not sure if they're internet connected - anyone know the answer to this one?
I think it's a smart idea marhjan. It would certainly get the bitcoin ideal in front of more people. The only trouble I see with it is fiat price volatility. People will likely choose a gift card payout that will maintain its fiat value for more than a few minutes.
Unfortunately, for now, people don't really understand the true value of bitcoin.
the volatility is something drummed into you by media.. if you have not learned yet, coinbase, circle, bitpay don't care about volatility and neither do their merchants.
i do not see it as something that NEEDS to be released today, but to be thought about and to grow in the minds of outerwall inc, so that its ready for when bitcoin moves out of innovation phase and into mass adoption phase.
I think CincyFan was saying that consumers will be too paranoid about volatility to put their money into bitcoin. Not a coinbase etc. side issue.