Wireless charging is now an option at about 200 Starbucks locations in the San Francisco Bay Area and will eventually be available at stores across the country.
Pads capable of charging smartphones and tablets have been placed on tables and counters throughout certain stores. The number of available "Duracell Powermat Spots" vary depending on the size of the store, but Starbucks spokeswoman Linda Mills told The Huffington Post stores generally have about eight of them.
(Story continues below)
Although Powermats are only officially compatible with AT&T smartphones, like Asus and Kyocera Hydro Vibe, Powermat spokesman Scott Eisenstein told HuffPost that Starbucks locations are loaning "rings" that can be plugged into any smartphone. The device, also available for purchase for $9.99, allows customers with other phones to use the wireless charging stations.
However, Eisenstein said there are always more rings available for loan than there are available charging pads.
Mills says the goal of the wireless charging stations is to make customers happy.
"Starbucks is continually bringing new experiences and innovations to customers to make their lives just a bit easier," Mills said. "Battery life is the [No. 1] reported frustration from consumers about their smartphones. Wireless charging capability in Starbucks stores will enhance the in-store experience by helping customers keep their smartphones and mobile devices charged throughout their day."
The wireless charging stations will hardly be confined to California. The coffee chain already did a test run in Massachusetts and plans to roll out Powermats in various Starbucks locations across the U.S., and possibly Europe and Asia, within the next year.
Related
Before You Go
