Starbucks has announced that visitors
to the coffee chain in the UK will be able to charge their mobile phones
wirelessly. The initiative is being rolled out initially in 10
Starbucks cafes in the UK by the end of January. The free service is
following a pledge made in the US to allow similar service beginning in
San Francisco with a national roll out across 2,000 branches across the
US.
Currently, there are two competing
wireless charging standards available and Starbucks has chosen
Duracell’s Powermat. The service requires users to plug in an adapter to
their phone in order to charge it. The devices, which are ring-shaped,
will be available to borrow or to purchase for £10 each. The adapters
will be offered for the new lightning and old 30 pin Apple variants,
along with those phones that use the micro USB standard.
In order for a phone to charge
efficiently, they must be placed on specially equipped tables, which
Starbucks are installing into the branches across the UK’s capitol city.
Vice president of marketing and category
at Starbucks, Ian Cranna said, “We have always tried to anticipate our
customers’ needs and innovate with technology to provide even more
convenience. Our partnership with Powermat demonstrates Starbucks
response to an increasing need to stay connected whilst on the go.”
The initial rollout will be in ten store
installations and will be available in by the end of January in the
following branches; Berkeley Street, Euston Tower, Fleet Street, Great
Portland Street, Harewood Place, Kingsway, Moorgate, Princes Street,
Pentonville Road and Wardour Street.
A study that was undertaken by rival
power supplier Mophie, has found that 92% of people in the UK experience
stress if their smartphone runs out of power. Are you stressed
somewhat, if your handset runs out of juice? Let us know in the comments
section.
[Image via siliconbeat]
