The addition of wireless charging to a number of Windows Phone 8 handsets certainly gives the handsets an air of brand new technology, but it also means that wireless charging through the Qi standard needs to be pushed and promoted as much as possible. That's why Toyota's announcement of their 'Avalon Limited' going on sale with ConvenientPower's Qi charging pad is another important PR step.

Here's the charging plate in action, with an elegant sleeve around an iPhone...

The goal at the moment is not to have Qi wireless charging in every car (or coffee shop, airport lounge, or railway station) but to build up the momentum in both the mainstream press and the technology/luxury sites. If Qi can be seen as the standard to have, then a snowball effect of momentum can build up around this standard and help propel it into the public conscious.

“Pioneering the ability to charge with no wires or connectors by simply putting devices in the car console is an intuitive innovation which reflects Toyota’s continuing commitment to improve the consumer experience,” said Randy Stephens, chief engineer of Toyota Avalon. “We see wireless charging as an important feature that helps enhance the high-technology theme and consumer interface offered by Avalon Limited which is already equipped with three TFT color screens and Intellitouch™ controls.”

You can read more about the wireless charging Toyota Avalon at the car manufacturers press site. I wonder if Toyota would loan us a sample Avalon to test with a Lumia 920...