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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]