Subscription service offers on-demand phone charging in bars and restaurants

Doblet wants to place portable battery packs in popular bars and restaurants, with users paying an annual fee to use them.

Running out of smartphone battery can be a daily problem for those who are constantly chatting, texting and 'gramming. While ideas such as the QBracelet have aimed to merge fashion with a way to charge devices, a new service called Doblet wants to place portable battery packs in popular bars and restaurants, with users paying an annual fee to use them.

In the event that your smartphone dies while out and about, there are limited options to get a recharge. You could find an outlet or a charging station if you carry the charger or cable with you, or pop into a phone store, but each of these options requires the device to be left or the owner to sit with it until it's charged. Portable battery packs are also available, but just add to extra weight being carried around.

The Doblet is a small battery pack that can be attached to any device to charge it. By placing them in popular locations such as bars and restaurants, the company wants to create a network of chargers that can be accessed at any time by subscribers. By paying a flat annual fee of USD 30, members can walk into any venue that stocks Doblets and recharge their phone. Those who aren't members can even pay a USD 3 fee for a single charge. Members can find their nearest Doblet through the companion app, and — rather than have their device attached to a wall — users can be free to walk around with their phone while it's charging.

Watch the video below to learn more about the service:

Doblet provides a way for anyone to charge their device while they're out of the house or office, while also giving bars and restaurants an extra reason for passersby to head in and buy a drink. Currently limited to San Francisco, could this work in your part of the world?