Chuck Bednar for redOrbit.com – @BednarChuck
How would you like to have wireless charging built right into your computer desk or nightstand? IKEA announced on Sunday that it is joining forces with the Wireless Power Consortium to make such household products a reality.
Shocking revelations
According to The Verge, the new line of products will include lamps and other small pieces of furniture that have built-in Qi wireless chargers. They will go on sale in Europe and North America this spring.
[STORY: IKEA set to be self-sufficient by 2020]
In addition, the company will be offering a small IKEA-designed pad that can add Qi charging to any existing surface. The charging spots, Gizmodo explains, could eliminate the need for microUSB power cords or other unwieldy cables.
“It’s a rare move forward in technology for IKEA, known best for its massive showroom stores, affordable assemble-it-yourself furniture and its Swedish meatballs,” said CNET. For those users who have “compatible smartphones and cases,” however, “it’s an added convenience.”
Taking sides
It is also a boost to the Wireless Power Consortium in its ongoing battle with the rival Power Matters Alliance. While the WPC’s Qi wireless charging technology is available in more mobile devices, PMA’s technology is available in places such as McDonald’s and Starbucks, and is also supported by AT&T. The two formats are incompatible with one another.
[STORY: Wireless charging market to be worth $13.78 billion by 2020]
The WPC vs PMA battle feels like a Monty Python skit. Should we support the People’s Front of Judea or the Judean People’s Front?
In the statement, IKEA pointed out that Qi is “the most widely deployed wireless power standard, available in 3,000 hotels, restaurants, airports and public locations worldwide.” In addition, the WPC’s method is supported by over 80 smartphones (including those offered by LG, Lumia and Samsung), as well as 15 models of cars and “countless” mobile accessories.
That, according to CNET, is what convinced IKEA to commit to WPC.
Commitment to the future
“IKEA is delivering on its vision of making life at home better with this innovative, stylish and useful new collection that show consumers the beauty and simplicity of wireless charging,” said WPC chairman Menno Treffers. “We applaud IKEA for its unmatched insight and their unique passion for making wireless charging affordable and simple for consumers.”
[STORY: Qi wireless charging expands to airports]
“Our belief is that mobile phones are vital parts to people’s lives at home and their desire to stay connected, and Qi addresses an unmet need to keep devices powered,” added Bjorn Block, Range Manager for Lighting and Wireless Charging, at IKEA. “As a member of WPC, we value the access to the leading and most advanced global standard for wireless charging.”
As for the forthcoming line of IKEA products, the website said that they’ll initially offer one or two collections per year including tables, desks and lamps. The company plans to release up to 10 collections in the long-term, and will also offer a kit that allows customers to customize their existing furniture with a wireless Qi charging spot, they added.
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