Have you gone to a Starbucks with plans of checking emails on your phone, only to discover that your battery is low? Now, the Seattle-based company will soon be helping you out. Starbucks announced a venture with Duracell on Thursday to install wireless Powermat phone chargers at locations across the country.
The national rollout will start in the San Francisco Bay Area and will continue in major markets next year. Eventually, they will be in every Starbucks location in the U.S. Tests in Asia and Europe will also begin this year.
Some Starbucks in Boston and San Jose will have Powermats today and more locations will be listed at Powermat.com.
“Powermat Sports” will be installed in locations with special tables for customers who also need to give their phones an extra jolt.
“From WiFi 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, chief digital officer at Starbucks, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to offer our customers that next level of convenience with Powermat wireless charging. Rather than hunting around for an available power outlet, they can seamlessly charge their device while enjoying their favorite food or beverage offering right in our stores.”
Considering that Starbucks already has free Wi-Fi and now chargers, it is clear that the company wants you to spend more than a few minutes picking up your daily coffee.
image courtesy of Roger Wong/INFphoto.com