Google Starbucks WiFi, Since When?

I’ve loved the speed of the free Google Starbucks Wi-Fi service available at most Starbucks locations, but this “feature” looks new.

Since when did the Google Starbucks Wi-Fi service start this authentication system? I’m used to selecting the Wi-Fi network then surfing the Internet.

I’m not really sure how this works as well. At a different location, I didn’t see this screen, but I still had to pick the network (same behavior as before). More of a security measure?