A new study from Juniper Research has found that wireless charging is poised to change the way consumers interact with their cars, with an estimated 50 million vehicles to offer built-in wireless device charging by 2020, compared with only 4 million this year. The new research, Wireless Charging: Opportunities, Applications & Standards 2015-2020, found that the technology will enable a range of new in-vehicle services, such as on-board audio streaming, automatic cockpit drill customization and context-specific notification filtering, made possible through the data exchange and constant power supply. Juniper Research said that this will also allow automakers to provide software-based services merely through streaming notifications from phone to dashboard, rather than needing to keep on-board firmware and hardware updated.
According to Juniper Research, over a third of all smartphones shipping in 2020 will have wireless charging capability built in, with more enabled by accessories. Laptop makers too will be looking to harness the technology, with nearly 20% of in-use laptops being capable of charging wirelessly by 2020. The growth, however, migth be hampered as there are no established standard for wireless charging, and manufacturers have been hesitant to adopt the technology for fear of buying into a system that will soon be obsolete.
James Moar, Research Author
For wireless charging to truly succeed, carriers and phone retailers need to provide consumers with an option for wireless chargers supplied with new devices. The technology will not take off if it remains a $30+ additional purchase. This is why the automotive market is so important; if the technology is provided as standard in cars, consumers can appreciate the benefits without feeling like it’s a risky or unnecessary additional purchase.
