FOR THOSE WHO can’t bear being away from their phone for even a minute at home, IKEA says it has the answer.
The Swedish chain has unveiled a range of furniture with built-in wireless charging spots, a feature it claims will help people “stay constantly connected”.
The products are part of the company’s HomeSmart line, which will eventually include smartphone- and tablet-enabled tables and other furnishings.
IKEA is the latest entrant to the fast-growing “connected home” market, a sector which spans everything from smart thermostats like Nest and kitchen appliances from Drop.
Its new furniture includes bedside tables and lamps, while the company will also start selling charging pads that can be added to desks and office spaces.
Acronym power struggle
Samsung’s latest Galaxy range, which was recently unveiled in Barcelona, includes wireless charging capability and its maker claims it takes only 10 minutes for the device to get enough power for four hours’ use.
However many of the most popular phone models on the market, including all iPhones and older Galaxy series, don’t support the QI standard from the Wireless Power Consortium (or WPC – and yes, that’s their real name) that IKEA’s products rely on.
The system works by electromagnetic induction, a technology which can transfer power over distances of a few centimetres using magnetic transmitters and receivers.
The furniture will be incompatible with rival standards from the Power Matters Alliance (PMA), or third player Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP).
IKEA said the range would be on sale in its Dublin store from mid-April.
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