Duracell Brings iPhone-Compatible Wireless Charging To US Starbucks Stores

Duracell has partnered up with Starbucks to bring its smart wireless charging "Powermat" solution to Starbucks stores nationwide. The move will see iPhone-compatible Powermats appear at designated tables in Starbucks and Teavana Fine Teas + Tea Bars stores, allowing smartphone owners to top-up their handset's charge by simply placing it on the tabletop. Of course, iPhone owners are going to need to equip their smartphone with a special "AccessCase" first, and Duracell notes online that these are available for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, and iPhone 4. The good news is that these AccessCases are designed to be easily removable, and so it's not as if users are choosing a permanent fitting for their iPhone. From here, Duracell bids users to "recharge as your phone recharges" at one of its Powermat-equipped tables in either a Starbucks or a Teavana Fine Teas store. The solution is also good for the environment, too: Duracell explains that its Powermats use less energy than traditional AC charging and require fewer transformers, "which means less electronic waste in landfills over time." Adam Brotman, chief digital officer at Starbucks, said:

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. We were pleased with the customer response to the pilot tests, 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 solution is in the process of rolling out across the United States, beginning in the San Francisco Bay Area (though Powermats have already been installed at select stores in Boston and San Jose). You can find your nearest Duracell Powermat location by checking the interactive "Where can I recharge?" map which is available at the Powermat's website. For our impressions of a different wireless charging solution for iPhone, see: AppAdvice Goes Hands-On With The iQi Mobile Wireless Charger For iPhone. Via: 9to5mac