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Sweden-based affordable furniture retailer IKEA has rolled out its new range of wireless charging furniture in Europe.
The iconic company is also planning a roll out in the US soon. The furniture series will have built-in wireless charging and the line will include a bed-loft combo, a desk, two bedside tables and floor, table and work lamps with embedded transmitters.
The company’s US design spokesperson Janice Simonsen said: "We know that people are attached at the hip to their smartphones. They are constantly referencing it, and one of the biggest problems is the constant need for charging.” Simonsen said the tables and lamps were chosen because they are adaptable, transitional and streamlined. The furniture are all in the colors of white or birch, meant to blend into the home. The wireless pads have a Plus sign on them while the wireless charger called JYSSEN could be bought for $30 and inserted into your own furniture. Other wireless charging products are also available including the $60 SELJE nightstand and the $70 VARV table lamp. If the phone doesn't already support wireless charging, the VITAHULT charging cover will be available for purchase. For example, Samsung Galaxy S6 would be compatible but the iPhones may be used with a special case that IKEA sells. Any phone with Qi wireless charging technology can be used on these pads.
IKEA's participation in the wireless charging technology also significantly points to standardization of industry technology. The market is currently scattered with three major types of technology and Apple, one of the major producers of smartphones, has still not vowed support to any of them. With IKEA taking a stand on wireless charging hardware, it is high time that the industry itself stops the standardization war.
IKEA sells more than $30 billion worth of furniture each year and is one of the world’s largest single consumers of wood, using a total of 20.27 million cubic yards in 2014.
The iconic company is also planning a roll out in the US soon. The furniture series will have built-in wireless charging and the line will include a bed-loft combo, a desk, two bedside tables and floor, table and work lamps with embedded transmitters.
The company’s US design spokesperson Janice Simonsen said: "We know that people are attached at the hip to their smartphones. They are constantly referencing it, and one of the biggest problems is the constant need for charging.” Simonsen said the tables and lamps were chosen because they are adaptable, transitional and streamlined. The furniture are all in the colors of white or birch, meant to blend into the home. The wireless pads have a Plus sign on them while the wireless charger called JYSSEN could be bought for $30 and inserted into your own furniture. Other wireless charging products are also available including the $60 SELJE nightstand and the $70 VARV table lamp. If the phone doesn't already support wireless charging, the VITAHULT charging cover will be available for purchase. For example, Samsung Galaxy S6 would be compatible but the iPhones may be used with a special case that IKEA sells. Any phone with Qi wireless charging technology can be used on these pads.
IKEA's participation in the wireless charging technology also significantly points to standardization of industry technology. The market is currently scattered with three major types of technology and Apple, one of the major producers of smartphones, has still not vowed support to any of them. With IKEA taking a stand on wireless charging hardware, it is high time that the industry itself stops the standardization war.
IKEA sells more than $30 billion worth of furniture each year and is one of the world’s largest single consumers of wood, using a total of 20.27 million cubic yards in 2014.
