Targeting a launch date of late Spring 2015 for the United States, IKEA has started rolling out a line of furniture in Europe that includes wireless charging pads for recharging mobile devices. Of course, the mobile devices have to be compatible with the Qi wireless charging standard in order to take advantage of the charging pads. However, IKEA will be selling adapter cases for popular smartphones that aren’t currently compatible with Qi wireless charging, specifically the iPhone 4 through iPhone 6 models and Samsung Galaxy S3 through S5 models.
Speaking about the new line of furniture, Björn Block, IKEA’s Range Manager for Lighting and Wireless Charging, said “With the help of our wireless chargers, we make charging easy, fun and convenient, by turning furniture into charging spots. We enable convenient charging throughout the home, designed for your personal needs. At the same time, we make homes more beautiful by minimizing the use of cords. Nobody likes cords, yet everyone wants a fully functional home. With our wireless chargers, it’s possible to have both.”
In addition to the wireless charging, users will also have the option of using the included USB port on the charging pads to charge devices with traditional cords. While the the charging pads can be purchased separately, IKEA will be releasing two nightstands with a built-in wireless charger as well as a floor lamp, a table lamps and a desk lamp.
IKEA will also sell a hole saw kit that will let anyone modify their current IKEA furniture in order to install one of the wireless chargers, both of which will retail for $30. This kit may also be useful in the commercial environment, ideal for restaurants and coffee shops that want to offer customers the option of wireless charging.
