Visiting a Starbucks coffee spot in the future with a dead battery should no longer be viewed as an issue, but that's only if one has a device that is capable of wireless charging. Starbucks plans to install Powermat wireless chargers in several of its stores across the United States.
The company chose to go down this route after a small-scale trial proved successful, though it is not certain of Starbucks is planning to charge customers who might want to get some well needed juice in their smartphones, or if the whole thing is completely free of cost.
"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. "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."
So far this idea is a good marketing strategy for Starbucks in the light of rising competition from Keurig and Nespresso. It should for a time keep the competition on the sidelines, but it probably won't be enough.
From what we understand, this is a push by Duracell and Starbucks to popularize Powermat since it is less popular when compared to Qi, which is used in the majority of smartphone devices. Qi is the main rival to Powermat (PMA), and we don't expect companies behind this standard to take this onslaught sitting down.
Now, for users with a smartphone that only supports the Qi standard, Starbucks should have adapters to make it possible for those devices to charge via Powermat. Furthermore, consumers can go out and purchase a PMA case.
After this move by Starbucks, chances are, other companies will follow by providing customers with new ways to charge their smart devices.
Right now we don't see the use for wireless charging in its current form. The technology is far less efficient when compared to wired due to wasted energy and other factors.
