Starbucks Powermat charging pads getting software upgrade for iPhone 8, iPhone X
As it stands, the Powermat charging plates at Starbucks are incompatible with the Qi standard that the iPhone X and iPhone 8 use -- but a software fix by the vendor will remedy that at the coffee vendor's locations, and other retail establishments.
The Powermat technology was designed for modifications in software, rather than hardware to accommodate future standard emergences, according to a report on Thursday by Slashgear.
"The charge spot is two parts: one part is the kinetic part, which drives the power, and the other part is the controller which controls the power transfer," Powermat Chief Technical Officer Itay Sherman told Slashgear. "We've designed the magnetic part to be as generic as possible to cover all standards if possible."
One of those standards is Qi. Up until Apple's focus on Qi as it's preferred protocol, the vast majority of devices at Starbucks and other vendors used the Powermat technology. Apple users seeking to top up their iPhones while at the locations needed to use a Lightning dongle.
"If there's a new standard, a new variant of the standard -- you have PMA, you have Qi, you have Samsung's Wireless Fast Charging -- we can download new software to our points and support them," said Sherman. "The biggest difference between PMA and Qi is the communication protocols."
The technologies are mechanically the same. Both rely on the device needing power having a coil, in which a current is induced by a magnetic field on the charging pad. What it appears that the Powermat CTO is saying is what varies is how that hand-off is negotiated.
Roll-out of the software patch will depend on individual locations and logistical issues. However, Powermat expects the updates to be complete at Starbucks before the iPhone 8 is in the hands of consumers.
The fix is not universal to all Powermat hardware. Consumer-grade charging pads without the upgrade capability will not see any fixes for iPhone compatibility.
The Powermat technology was designed for modifications in software, rather than hardware to accommodate future standard emergences, according to a report on Thursday by Slashgear.
"The charge spot is two parts: one part is the kinetic part, which drives the power, and the other part is the controller which controls the power transfer," Powermat Chief Technical Officer Itay Sherman told Slashgear. "We've designed the magnetic part to be as generic as possible to cover all standards if possible."
One of those standards is Qi. Up until Apple's focus on Qi as it's preferred protocol, the vast majority of devices at Starbucks and other vendors used the Powermat technology. Apple users seeking to top up their iPhones while at the locations needed to use a Lightning dongle.
"If there's a new standard, a new variant of the standard -- you have PMA, you have Qi, you have Samsung's Wireless Fast Charging -- we can download new software to our points and support them," said Sherman. "The biggest difference between PMA and Qi is the communication protocols."
The technologies are mechanically the same. Both rely on the device needing power having a coil, in which a current is induced by a magnetic field on the charging pad. What it appears that the Powermat CTO is saying is what varies is how that hand-off is negotiated.
Roll-out of the software patch will depend on individual locations and logistical issues. However, Powermat expects the updates to be complete at Starbucks before the iPhone 8 is in the hands of consumers.
The fix is not universal to all Powermat hardware. Consumer-grade charging pads without the upgrade capability will not see any fixes for iPhone compatibility.
Comments
2) I'm surprised that they didn't already support Qi or whatever iPhone variant as I hadn't even heard of Powermat (PMA) and wonder if there 3rd-party Qi chargers may not work well with the new Apple devices.
I wonder if they're going to have USB-C rings available, and whether they could trickle-charge a MacBook...
I can already envision pubs with small lockers (free, coin, or NFC-based payments) where you place your phone flat in the locked cubby and it charges while you have a pint if it's low.
I'm not sure I'd ever be comfortable plugging my Mac into someone else's USB port. This is one of the reasons why I like Qi and I see no technical reasons why this couldn't be added to the bottom of Mac notebooks or the iPad.
I usually think of crazy acquisitions and reasons they'll work. The other day I was thinking of the keynote(the Qi part/Qinote) and it dawned on me....Apple acquire Starbucks.
It's been in front of our faces all along. Starbucks is SO Apple, from their simple cafe designs and innovations to the endless barrage of Apple devices used by its customers.
Why though?
For one Apple can innovate the Cafes. Adding Qi support to the center of every table For iDevices and MacBooks, yes future MacBooks! Now MacBook users will never wanna leave.
Alternate Apple gathering spot.
Apple wants to bring people together at their stores but wouldn't that be a little crowded? I mean they're already crowded without special days.
A Genius Bar
Starbucks in the back of Apple Stores just works. Why not make the Genius Bar an actual bar? They just fit together. Just imagine it for a second....
Apple Pay reward$
More Apple Pay integration and Wallet adoption. Offer rewards and loyalty. In turn Apple adds profit. Simple as that. Starbucks is a big money maker.
Brand strength
The acquisition would make Amazon's Whole Foods but look like child's play. Amazon had zero connection to Whole Foods. The seeds are already planted for Apple Starbucks. They strangely attract Apple devices, are very Apple like, Wallet support etc.
Throw in promotions like Starbucks gift cards with Apple products and you'll have a sweet ecosystem outside technology.
Lastly Steve Jobs dreamed of an Apple Cafe. Make it a reality!