Starbucks Introduces Wireless Chargers In 200 Stores

Starbucks Wireless Chargers - Starbucks announced that from Tuesday, there would be 200 stores in the San Francisco Bay Area which count with wireless charging spots.

Wireless chargers are not exactly a novelty. As a matter fact, they've been around for years, according to the NY Times. The heart of the matter is that consumers simply haven't relied or chosen it popularly before.

Apparently, this could be due to the fact that charging wirelessly is slower and less effective than actually doing it with a regular cable. Maybe because the regular charger has the cable and is directly put in contact with electricity, and the wireless way depends of "waves" of electromagnetic energy.

Another reason provided for the unpopularity of the wireless chargers is that it's not completely "wireless." Many times, there is a charging mat involved, which is connected to an outlet power.

Still, Starbucks is sure that this will be a safe bet. The technology is developed by Power Matters Alliance, which is backed by AT&T, Starbucks and Google as well.

Starbucks will have in total 1,500 charging spots within 200 stores. They are planning on starting in San Francisco and later on expanding to the rest of USA and possibly Europe and Asia further in the way, CNBC noted.

The way in which wireless chargers work is that in the Starbucks stores there are power pads. These ones have been placed on the tables and counters of certain stores.

It depends on how big the store is to calculate how many pads each one has, but Starbucks spokeswoman Linda Mills told the Huffington Post that they are about eight pads in each store.

Because these are not many and also because the pads are not compatible with every phone, there are also "rings." These can be plugged into the smartphone; they will also be loaned or for sale at a price of $9.99.

"Battery life is the [No.1] reported frustration from consumers about their smartphones. Wireless charging capability in Starbucks stores will enhance the in-store experience by helping costumers keep their smartphones and mobile devices charged throughout the day," said Mills.

We'll have to see if wireless charging becomes popular after Starbucks takes over it.

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