Wireless charging for portable devices through table surfaces is coming to the UK early next month.
CHARGit’s technology allows for multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, to charge simultaneously through surfaces without the need for cables.
It works by fitting a unit under a table or counter surface to create a charging zone.
The company will launch the technology on March 9th at the Interchange co-working space in Camden, North London, giving people the chance to try it for themselves.
“Wireless charging makes absolute sense in the context of how technology is evolving,” said Hayley Freedman, CHARGit director.
“We’re increasingly dependent on our mobile devices, while our time is a precious commodity.
“Thanks to this dependence, battery anxiety is real. Wireless charging helps to combat this, offering businesses the opportunity to tap into this need and provide an additional service of genuine value to customers.”
People will soon demand wireless charging facilities from food and drink venues and hotels, according to the CEO of rival wireless charging firm Chargifi.
CHARGit is also targeting businesses which are looking to offer wireless charging as a service to enhance their customers’ experience.
Freedman told BusinessCloud that it is currently deploying the technology in hotels, shopping centres and corporate environments. These include the Lalit Hotel in Southwark, London and the Mailbox in Birmingham.
Non-compatible devices can be charged by plugging a CHARGkey into them. No precise alignment is needed for charging to begin.
The CHARGhub transmitter can be installed on to the underside of any non-metallic surface such as a wooden table or counter.
Dell, HP and Lenovo have all begun incorporating wireless charging compatibility as standard into their laptops.
“CHARGit will provide businesses with the opportunity to provide charging surfaces that helps to offer venue differentiation as well as the chance to entice custom, as consumers entering premises to specifically charge their devices, will also be tempted to spend additional money – say on drinks in a hotel bar, or on further shopping in a retail environment,” added Freedman.
The firm also has an app that reveals local CHARGit locations while allowing CHARGit venues to promote special offers and loyalty schemes.
Freedman said: “It’s a very exciting time for us. Much like Wi-Fi capability has gone from being an unknown quantity to absolute normality, we see wireless charging as the next evolution.
“In a few years, no one will be plugging in devices to charge, with all of the latest portable device advancements incorporating wireless charging as standard.
“Public demand for wireless charging is set to skyrocket, and we want to be the ones to deliver on that demand.”