NEWS: JAY-Z PARTNERS WITH DURACELL

Rap mogul Jay-Z continues to raise the bar by partnering with Duracell to unleash new wireless charging systems slated to go into various locations including his popular 40/40 Club Manhattan sports bar.

Jay-Z’s unexpected partnership became official Monday (June 11) afternoon.

Jay-Z is linking up with Duracell and Powermat to act as a spokesperson for “Wireless Power Nation,” a phone charging system that will be installed on tables and bars in coffeeshops, restaurants, clubs, gyms, and public venues across the country. Currently, Jay-Z has the service available in his 40/40 Club in New York City. The revolutionary technology allows patrons to charge their phones by simply placing their cell phone or wireless device on the table. Duracell and GM have already used the technology on the Chevy Volt as well, so it is likely that consumers will see this technology in more and more cars in the near future as the technology becomes less expensive and demand increases for the convenience. (STL American)

Both Jay-Z and Duracell Powermat CEO Ron Rabinowitz released statements on the new venture.

“Mobile devices have become essential tools in business, entertainment and managing our social lives,” said Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, an investor in the Duracell Powermat joint venture. “Being able to charge wirelessly is a necessary step into the future.” “All they will need to do is put their phone on the table, same thing they normally do. The only difference is that now, their smartphones will get charged from the table,” said Duracell Powermat CEO Ron Rabinowitz. (Fox News)

Despite the hype, reports claiming this technology has been around for quite some time.

The Powermat charging system is not new. In fact, it’s been around for a few years, and has proven to be pretty simple and convenient, but the cases are cumbersome and bulky. A “mat,” called a Powermat, is plugged into a wall outlet and provides wireless power. Simply lay your Powermat-enabled phone on the mat and you’ll hear a “ZZZT” noise as it connects wirelessly and begins charging. There are competitors out as well. Energizer has a similar system that works with the Qi wireless charging standard. (Mashable)

In January, Young Hov re-opened the popular New York venue after it shut down for renovations.

Jay-Z will get a break from Daddy Duty on Jan. 18. The music mogul – who welcomed daughter Blue Ivy Carter with wife Beyonce over the weekend – is scheduled to attend the grand re-opening of his 40/40 Club next week, amNewYork has confirmed. Also on the guest list for the invite-only soiree: Alex Rodriguez, C.C. Sabathia and the Giants’ Victor Cruz. The Flatiron-area club underwent massive renovations, reportedly in the neighborhood of $10 million, since closing last year. (AM NY)

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