Starbucks is planning to introduce more wireless charging tables in the Silicon Valley following their huge success in its Boston area stores.
The Seattle-based chain has announced the introduction of new wireless charging stations in Silicon Valley locations allowing customers to charge their smartphones and tablets while they sip coffee. The wireless charging stations are powered by Duracell Powermats, initially installed in Boston area stores in October last year. Following the success of its test run, Starbucks is expanding the technology to select California stores in Silicon Valley.
The high-tech charging tables will be equipped with a charging pad, which will charge the phone once it is placed on it. But the device must be PMA-certified, which means most smartphones will need a Power Matters Alliance (PMA)- compliant case or portable battery to benefit from the wireless charging stations.
"We know that our customers use our cafes in a number of ways beyond buying coffee. For some, it's their home office, for others it's their place to get away and have some time to themselves. More and more customers are using Starbucks as their home base and they are looking to recharge in a number of ways," Adam Brotman, chief digital officer, Starbucks Coffee Company, said in a statement. "We have seen positive customer response to wireless charging through our tests in Boston, and are pleased to now extend this experience for our customers in the Silicon Valley area."
Many mobile manufacturers have taken the initiative to build the technology into the phones. AT&T recently announced that many of its smartphones will be launched with the PMA-technology next year. Samsung, Blackberry, HTC, LG and ZTE also said they will introduce the technology in their smartphones.
Wireless charging stations are a new trend in wireless charging and most likely will put an end to socket charging. People always look for greater and convenient inventions and wireless charging is just as useful as Wi-Fi. With many ISPs and mobile makers taking steps to introduce the technology in the phones to support wireless chargers, it won't be too long before the technology will be seen in various restaurants, coffee shops and homes.
