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Starbucks To Offer Wireless Charging Pads

NEW YORK (CBSMiami/AP) —  Competition for power outlets at your local Starbucks may be coming to a close soon.

Starbucks and Duracell say they are rolling out Powermat wireless charging devices in stores in San Francisco but the charging spots will expand into other major markets in 2015.  The companies plan to put the devices in all Starbucks and Teavana locations over time.

The stores will have "Powermat Spots," designated areas on tables and counters where customers can put their compatible smartphones and charge them wirelessly.

Most smart phones and devices on the market now are not compatible with the Powermat stations, although some with the built-in capability are starting to emerge, according to IHS, a market researcher. People can also buy Powermat accessories to charge devices that aren't compatible, Starbucks noted.

Some Starbucks Corp. locations in Boston and San Jose already have Powermat devices.

Powermat formed a joint venture with Duracell in 2011. Duracell is a unit of Procter & Gamble Co.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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