Starbucks, Duracell Offer Wireless Powermat Charging - Analyst Blog

Starbucks Corporation SBUX, in partnership with Duracell Powermat, has started to roll out wireless charging systems in the domestic market, begining with its stores in the San Francisco Bay Area. Starbucks stores in the Bay Area will have Powermat Spots on tables and counters to enable wireless charging of compatible devices.

Powermat is expected to hit Starbucks and Teavana stores across major markets in the U.S in 2015. The company will initiate pilots in Europe and Asia within a year.

Duracell Powermat is a joint venture between The Procter & Gamble Company's PG Duracell brand and Powermat Technologies. Powermat Spots are the next generation wireless charging technology created by Duracell Powermat.

Powermat Spots meets the technical standards set by the Power Matters Alliance PMA, whose members include leading companies such as AT&T, Inc. T and Microsoft Corp. MSFT. In fact, most of the devices in the recent future are expected to incorporate this technology.  This latest technology addition at Starbucks stores is expected to be a boost to ushering next generation appliances with wireless charging technology into the mainstream.  

Based in Seattle, WA, Starbucks holds a leadership position in digital, card, loyalty and mobile capabilities. The company had previously provided facilities like, Wi-Fi connectivity, in-store Starbucks Digital Network, mobile payment and digital music downloads in Starbucks stores.

The accelerating global adoption of smartphones and mobile technologies is gradually transforming and evolving the retail landscape in areas of payment, loyalty and consumer experiences. The company effectively uses social/digital media to drive customer awareness and thereby improve traffic flow.

Starbucks carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).