Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

IKEA's wireless charging lamps IKEA
Swedish House Mafia

This new IKEA furniture will charge your phone for you*

*As long as the device is compatible with its wireless standard, that is.

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.

NORDLI bedside table €100 IKEA IKEA

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.

NORDMÄRKE single pad €35 IKEA IKEA

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.

Dancer Animated GIF Giphy Giphy

READ: These ex-Nokia heads believe they can take on Android head-first >

READ: Sony ditches the flagship (for now) to focus on creating a standout tablet >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
8
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.