IKEA and Samsung back Qi wireless charging advance
IKEA said the wireless charging home furnishings will be available in Europe April 2015, followed by a global rollout. IKEA’s decision to opt for Qi global wireless charging standard gives the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) another major global brand to pin to its banner.
"IKEA is delivering on its vision of making life at home better with this innovative, stylish and useful new collection that show consumers the beauty and simplicity of wireless charging," said Menno Treffers, WPC chairman.
Qi is the most widely deployed wireless power standard, available in 3,000 hotels, restaurants, airports and public locations worldwide. There are now more than 80 Qi-enabled smartphones, 15 models of Qi-enabled cars and countless Qi mobile accessories in the market today.
"Our belief is that mobile phones are vital parts to people’s lives at home and their desire to stay connected, and Qi addresses an unmet need to keep devices powered," said Bjorn Block, Range Manager for Lighting and Wireless Charging, at IKEA. "As a member of WPC, we value the access to the leading and most advanced global standard for wireless charging."
To reinforce the trend for global brands to adopt the Qi wireless power standard Samsung Electronics also revealed this week that wireless charging is built into the Korean company’s flagship Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge smartphones. Both handsets will charge straight ‘out of the box’ on all Qi chargers now in the market.
"As the number one smartphone supplier in the world, Samsung has set the bar on advanced, must-have features that enhance the consumer experience," said Menno Treffers, chairman of the Wireless Power Consortium. "By including Qi in the Galaxy S6 line, Samsung has addressed a basic consumer need – having a phone that is easily charged everywhere. Leading brands like Samsung, IKEA, Marriott, McDonalds, Toyota and others are continuing their commitment to wireless charging by embedding Qi into their products and locations."
"With the launch of Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, we believe 2015 will be a landmark year for the adoption of wireless charging," said Peter Koo, Senior Vice President of Technology Strategy team, Samsung Mobile. "We hope to accelerate the use of this wireless charging technology with compelling smartphones and making charging experience more convenient for consumers."
Related articles and links:
www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com
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