Ikea, the Swedish retailer that sells ready-to-assemble furniture, announced that it will be launching a range of products (from desks to lamps) capable of wirelessly charging phones and other devices.
The world’s largest retailer will use Qi wireless technology to charge electronic devices that are placed near the furniture.
Qi technology currently works with over 80 smartphones (such as new models by Google Nexus, HTC, Samsung and Nokia), and a range of mobile accessories.
The iPhone does not have the Qi technology embedded, however, the Swedish retailer will be releasing cases to make them compatible.
The typical layout of an Ikea marketplace.
It will make “life at home simpler”
Jeanette Skjelmose, Ikea’s business area manager of lighting and wireless charging, said in a statement on Sunday.
‘Through research and home visits, we know that people hate cable mess. They worry about not finding the charger and running out of power,’
“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.”
“Our new innovative solutions, which integrate wireless charging into home furnishings, will make life at home simpler,” she added.
Jeff Kagan, a technology industry analyst, told AFP:
‘This is (a) very early time in the furniture business to blend wireless technology,’
‘I expect every other furniture maker to jump on this same bandwagon,’ he added.
The new furniture will hit stores in April
The company said that its Home Spot range of furniture will be available in North American and European stores in April.
Ikea said that a ‘global roll-out’ is being planned.
Products that feature the Qi wireless technology will start from £30 in the UK.
In January Ikea posted annual profits of 3.74 billion billion USD for 2014.
For more information visit: http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/coming-soon/wireless-charging/index.html