Starbucks and Duracell Powermat announced today that they have entered into a partnership to install Powermat wireless charging technology at every U.S. location. Stores in and around San Francisco will be the first to receive the charging stations, followed by other major cities in 2015,
The Powermat wireless charging pads will be built into tables and counters, allowing customers with compatible smartphones to simply place their devices on the Powermat to begin charging the batteries. The charging pads, developed by the Power Matters Alliance and Duracell Powermat, will work with PMA-compatible charging cases available from many major phone manufacturers. Customers will also be able to purchase a small charging ring that can plug into the phone to enable wireless charging. It is unclear whether Starbucks locations will be selling these rings.
The decision to install Powermat in every Starbucks location could prove highly beneficial for both companies. For Starbucks, it may draw passersby in to charge their phones, purchasing a drink to pass the time. It also incentivized customers to stay longer in order to allow their phones to charge. For Powermat, it further motivates customers to purchase devices compatible with the technology, and gives manufacturers a reason to use the PMA standard over competing wireless charging methods.
Qi is the other major competitor in the field of wireless charging. The two standards are incompatible, and have approached the issue of distribution from opposite sides. Qi is currently in place in a number of smartphones, including the high-end Nokia Lumia. However, Qi charging stations currently exist mostly in homes, with no public presence. PMA's use in Starbucks locations will make the charging pads widely available, but there are currently few phones with the technology built in. The Asus Padfone X, released on June 6, is the first smartphone compatible with PMA. Powermat is confident that with the stations in place, the devices will follow.
The move to install Powermat is not the first time Starbucks has been an early adopter of new technology. Starbucks began providing wireless internet in stores in 2001, and is currently testing a way to let customers order in advance via a mobile app.
"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," says Starbucks chief digital officer Adam Brotman in today's 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."
