Starbucks, Duracell Rolling Out Wireless Charging Nationwide
Source: Stephanie Mlot
Part of the responsibility of owning a smartphone is knowing where the nearest Starbucks is―with its free Wi-Fi connection and multitude of power outlets.
But the national rollout of Powermat wireless charging in the coffeehouse chain means never having to awkwardly crawl around other customers to plug in your phone.
In partnership with Duracell Powermat, Starbucks has already rolled out wireless charging at select stores in Boston and San Jose, but now the program is going nationwide.
Pilots in Europe and Asia are expected within the year. Over time, Powermats will roll also out to Starbucks-operated stores in Teavana Fine Teas + Tea Bar shops.
Desperate mobile owners can look for stores equipped with "Powermat Spots"―designated areas on tables and counters where customers can simply place compatible devices for a wireless charge.
"From Wi-Fi and the in-store Starbucks Digital Network to mobile payment and digital music downloads, we have always tried to anticipate our customers' needs early in the adoption curve and provide a world-class solution," Adam Brotman, Starbucks chief digital officer, said in a statement. "We are thrilled to offer our customers that next level of convenience with Powermat wireless charging."
Starbucks Duracell Powermat
Powermat Spots comply with the open standard set by the non-profit Power Matters Alliance (PMA), which boasts members like AT&T, BlackBerry, HTC, Huawei, LG, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Samsung, TI, and ZTE. Some companies are integrating PMA-compliant technology into their new handsets, but most smartphones still need a specific case - like the ones offered by Duracell Powermat - or portable battery to properly charge.
"We were pleased with the customer response to the pilot tests," Brotman said, "and we're now expanding this offering nationally to provide our customers a quality and reliable experience as they use our stores as their respite, their office away from home or as a gathering place with their friends and family."
"The two-pronged power-plug dates back to the era of the horse-drawn carriage," Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine pointed out. "Today's announcement marks the first meaningful upgrade to the way we access power in well over a century."
Take a closer look at the Duracell Powermat technology in the video below.
| }
|