Starbucks To Offer More Than Caffeine Jolt, Rolls Out Wireless Chargers
By John Dodge
CHICAGO (CBS) -- While it isn't in Chicago yet, Starbucks customers will soon be able to get a jolt of java and some juice for their wireless devices at the same time.
Starting today in the Bay Area around San Jose, Starbucks will be installing Duracell's Powermat wireless chargers in stores that will allow wireless users to charge their phones. Boston participated in the pilot program.
Major markets will see the charging option in 2015, with full national coverage after that. Chicago has the second-most Starbucks locations in the country, behind New York.
"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," said Adam Brotman, chief digital officer at Starbucks.
The company said devices supporting the PMA standard from AT&T, Blackberry, HTC, Huawei, LG, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Samsung, TI and ZTE will charge seamlessly in Starbucks.
"This endeavor is a critical step in Duracell's vision to make dead battery anxiety a thing of the past," said Stassi Anastassov, President of Duracell at Procter & Gamble.