MWC: Ikea integrates wireless phone chargers into lamps and desks

02.03.2015
Swedish flat-pack goliath Ikea has announced that it plans to launch a range of furniture products with inbuilt Qi wireless charging pads.

The range, which aims to make mobile phone charging more discreet by eliminating the need for wires, includes table and floor lamps, two desks and two bedside tables.

For charging to commence, enabled smartphones must be placed onto a white charging pad that has been integrated into the furniture item.

This same pad can be removed from the furniture and placed onto any other flat surface around the office to charge smartphones in the same way.

As well as pre-made products, the wireless charger can be fitted into the cable outlet of other Ikea desks.

The wireless chargers are based on the Qi standard, which works with more than 80 Qi-enabled smartphones, 15 models of Qi-enabled cars and a large number of Qi mobile accessories in the market today.

Jeanette Skjelmose, Ikea business area manager of lighting and wireless charging, said: "Through research and home visits, we know that people hate cable mess. They worry about not finding the charger and running out of power. Our new innovative solutions, which integrate wireless charging into home furnishings, will make life at home simpler."

Last month Starbucks and McDonald's announced the integration of wireless charging spots in several of their coffee shops and restaurants across the UK.

Ikea's wireless charging range will be available in Ikea stores across the UK from mid-April, with products starting from £30.

(www.techworld.com)

Sam Shead

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