Get All Access for $5/mo

Starbucks Stores in This City Now Have Phone Charging Stations for Customers With an upcoming national rollout, dead battery anxiety is soon to be a thing of the past -- as long as you're near a Starbucks.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Consider this the beginning of the end for the panic induced by a smartphone with a dying battery.

Starbucks unveiled Powermat wireless charging in about 200 stores in the San Francisco area this Wednesday. The rollout will expand to additional major markets in the U.S., Europe and Asia in 2015, with plans to eventually equip every Starbucks with wireless charging.

Instead of forcing customers to search for plugs for traditional chargers, the stores equipped with 'Powermat Spots' feature designated areas on tables and counters to charge compatible phones and tablets without the wires.

Related: Starbucks Is Preparing for Delivery in 2015

While certain smartphones, including the LG G3 and the Asus PadFone, are enabled to charge using the Powermat, most smartphones – including iPhones – will need to use Duracell Powermat "Rings" to charge wirelessly. With this in mind, Starbucks is offering the rings for in-store purchase for $9.99 and allowing customers to borrow the rings on a per-visit basis.

"Just like Wi-Fi is expected to be available… cords should be eliminated," Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine told Entrepreneur in June. Starbucks played a key role in normalizing Wi-Fi and making internet access an expected amenity at any coffee shop. 2015 will be the first test to see if it can do the same for wireless charging – or should we say Wi-Chi?

Related: The Real Reason Starbucks Isn't Letting Employees Wear Engagement Rings

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

Retirees Are Raking in Billions With These 4 Side Hustles: 'There's No Age Limit to Innovation'

Most Americans plan to work part-time in retirement — and the opportunities are endless.

Thought Leaders

How to Build a Legacy For Your Company You Can Be Proud Of

We all want to be proud of the personal and professional legacy we leave behind. The "obituary test" is a powerful tool for determining whether or not you and the organization you've put so much time, effort and energy into are aligned with your personal values in a way that will endure.

Business News

Amazon Asks Employees to Use Its New, Internal Chatbot That's 'Safer Than ChatGPT'

Amazon has reportedly introduced an internal chatbot named Cedric.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Thought Leaders

How to Build a Personal Brand Like Simon Sinek, Brené Brown and James Clear

Thought leaders like Simon Sinek and Brené Brown became known for one big idea, which helped them build authority and trust. By honing in on your unique strengths, accomplishments, and experiences and staying consistent, you can establish yourself as a go-to expert in your niche.