Ikea Launches wireless charging furniture!
What is wireless charging? Wireless Charging is essentially the transmission of an electrical current from a power source to a receiving device without the use of a physical connection. The electrical current is then used to charge or re-charge the battery of the receiving device. In this circumstance the receiving device can be anything from a smartphone or wearable, to a large industrial forklift.!
Ikea has unveiled a range of furniture fitted with wireless charging spots for mobile devices.The Home Smart range will initially include lamps, bedside tables and a coffee table as well as individual charging pads for any surface.
Ikea has used the wireless charging standard QI, which is also supported by Samsung in its latest handset, the S6.Environmental group Friends of the Earth urged caution over the recyclability of such products.
The Swedish furniture firm will sell charging covers for incompatible iPhone and Samsung models.There are currently more than 80 QI-compatible handsets and 15 QI-enabled cars on the market according to QI's backers the Wireless Power Consortium, an industry body whose members includes Belkin, Motorola, Panasonic and Sony.
Ikea said in a statement that its wireless charging products are "easy to fraction at end of life"
However, the range will go on sale in North America and the UK next month!
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| The charging spot is part of the table |
Benefits of wireless chargers
- Greater convenience and ubiquity for charging of everyday devices
- Reduce cost associated with maintaining mechanical connectors
- Safe powering or charging devices that need to remain sterile or hermetically sealed (waterproof)
- Prevent corrosion due to elements such as oxygen and water
- Eliminate sparks and debris associated with wired contacts
