Lose your Phone Charger while Traveling? Head to Starbucks!

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Lose your Phone Charger while Traveling? Head to Starbucks!

Power cords are so last decade.
The New York Times’ Eric A. Taub reports customers enjoying a latte at Starbucks or a
 ride in a fancy Cadillac may soon be able to power their phones without the need for a 
cord.
Oh, what a time to be alive.
Taub reports the two companies are eager to incorporate technology like that offered by 
Powermat. That company’s president, Daniel Schreiber, was understandably hopeful of 
what this might mean to consumers: “Once you have wireless charging in cars, your
 bedroom and a coffee shop, you don’t have to think about power.”
And for travelers, the technology would be as remarkable as the advent of the free 
continental breakfast.
Imagine traipsing around the country only to notice a sudden and surprising lack of 
bars on your phone. Rather than forego that selfie by the landmark you oh so wanted,
 you can just head to one of the Starbucks locations that are already ubiquitous 
around the nation.
Get a jolt of caffeine and some power for the phone without having to remember your 
infernal power cord. At least, that seems to be the idea if this all comes to fruition.
Taub explains the budding technology:
“There are two main competing versions of wireless charging trying to gain market share.
 Both use a similar technology that allows users to place smartphones or tablets on a 
charging mat and power up in no more time than using a cable would take. For the 
wireless connection to work, a receiver — which could be in the device but at this point 
is more likely to be in a special case that you have to buy — picks up an electrical charge 
from a transmitter coil in the charging mat.”
Armed with a corresponding pack or case, the phone could literally be dropped on a mat 
and charged while you enjoy a cappuccino or some other overpriced beverage. Heck, 
splurge to your heart’s content; you’re charging your phone after all.
Now you don’t have to be all that patient, because Starbucks plans to employ 
Powermat devices in all “major United States markets” by late 2015.
One would assume it would take but a viral increase of the technology to see it used 
in other venues. Perhaps one day, hitting up a pub will be practical as well as a great time.
Until then, we worldwide adventurers will just have to remember to plug in the smartphone
 at the hotel like we were some darn cavemen or something.