Samsung and IKEA will bring wireless charging to your couch, literally

Despite the fact that wireless charging has been included on Android devices for some time now, it’s never really taken off in perhaps the same way phone and accessory manufacturers hoped. There are a number of possible reasons for this, including the costs associated with buying a Qi-compatible charger, or the very cases we keep our phones in to protect them that negate the battery replenishing feature. Perhaps it’s simply that your wireless charger is at your desk but you want to top-up while on the sofa. Samsung and Ikea hear you.

Announced at MWC in Barcelona, Korea’s largest OEM and Sweden’s most famous furniture store are bring a brand new partnership to your living room. And bedroom. And well, just about any room in your house or office.  Starting next month, IKEA will begin selling furniture with wireless charging capabilities in Europe and North America, with a global rollout thereafter. This coincides nicely with the April 10th release date of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge.

The possibilities are endless really. Imagine a table with one-or-more corners containing a “hot spot” to place your phone for power regeneration. Consider a sofa with a wireless charging module built into the arm. As for the wireless standard being used? Ikea will use Qi technology, which is arguably the most universal wireless charging standard at this point.

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Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2015 –Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and IKEA of Sweden usher in a new era of connectivity, expanding charging capabilities beyond fixed outlets in homes or work environments through their involvement with the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). With the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge– featuring the world’s first, universally compatible embedded wireless charging technology –and IKEA’s new home furniture range for wireless charging, users will enjoy a fully plug-free charging environment at home.
Today, consumers are demanding simple and efficient charging methods to make their lives easier and more convenient. IKEA is addressing this by building wireless charging technology directly into its home furnishings, effectively turning bedside tables, lamps and desks into charging spots. This is a perfect match for the Galaxy S6 and its groundbreaking wireless technology, compatible with any wireless pad in the market, including the new furniture from IKEA. Through this, Samsung and IKEA are helping customer live a more comfortable life at home.
“Mobile devices have become a natural part of our lives – our ability to pair a simple wireless charging process with IKEA’s household furniture gives everyone the opportunity to more comfortable and conveniently enjoy their smartphone experience like never before,” said Jean-Daniel Ayme, Deputy President of European Telecommunication Operations at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung strives to deliver the best mobile experiences for consumers, especially in the comfort of their own home or office, and we have a long-term commitment to innovative charging solutions.”
”Through research and home visits, we know that people hate cable mess. 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”, says Jeanette Skjelmose, Business Area Manager Lighting and Wireless Charging, at IKEA.
The new wireless charging collection from IKEA will be available in Europe and North America in April 2015 followed by a global roll-out. Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge is announced today at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona and will be launched in the global markets starting from April 10th.
About IKEA Group

Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people and we offer well designed, functional and affordable, high quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment. The IKEA Group has 319 stores in 28 countries. The IKEA Group had 716 million visits during FY14 and more than 1.5 billion visits to ikea.com. In addition there are more than 46 stores in 21 countries run by franchisees outside the IKEA Group. Some countries have two franchisees so the total number of countries with IKEA stores in February 2015 is 46.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. We are also leading in the Internet of Things space through, among others, our Smart Home and Digital Health initiatives. We employ 307,000 people across 84 countries with annual sales of US $196 billion. To discover more, please visit our official website at www.samsung.com and our official blog at global.samsungtomorrow.com

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