The pace of innovation in technology is growing, and even more so in the electrical industry. However, success hinges on evolving to meet consumer demand and expectations.
Round-the-clock connectivity is now so deeply embedded into consumer’s daily lives that a new ‘phobia’ has been created; Nomophobia – a fear of being without a mobile device. This is especially true for Millennials (18-34 year olds), who are predicted to account for approximately 75% of the global workforce by 2025, and have come to expect consistent connectivity and information at their fingertips.
Despite all of the bells and whistles mobile devices now bring, there is one thing that they can’t function without – power. A recent study into mobile device habits by MK Electric, a wiring accessories manufacturer, demonstrates the impact of losing battery power on mobile devices can have on Millennials while travelling.
According to the study, 85% of Millennials carry chargeable devices while travelling and over a quarter of this age group have lost contact with people they are travelling with due to loss of battery power on their devices. Moreover, the study revealed that losing battery power can make Millennials feel ‘very frustrated’ (39%), ‘anxious’ (26%) and/or ‘in a panic’ (13%) when they are travelling.
Device proliferation and ‘Nomophobia’ represent big challenges for business, such as hoteliers trying to attract and retain guests, educators looking to deliver a first-class service to high school or university students, or airports making an effort to win the loyalty of regular travellers. If these businesses can’t offer the ability for demanding Millenials to charge their mobile devices easily and conveniently how will they keep them coming back time and time again?
The worrying answer is; they probably won’t.
The solution lies in USB charging. The vast majority of the mobile devices that Millennials are dependent on are USB-powered. If hotels, schools and airport lounges take the easy step of installing USB charging solutions on-site, they will instantly make their premises, and by extension their services, more attractive to customers.
London’s Heathrow and Luton Airports have taken this trend to heart. Heathrow was recently found to be the world’s most mobile-friendly airport, with 3,050 charging points, according to recent research carried out by travel site, Kayak.com. Following suit was Luton airport with at least 400 power sockets as well as 40 universal charging points.
While a range of industries are starting waking up to this reality, contractors are also starting to spot the potential for new and lucrative revenue streams. USB charging solutions also represent excellent up-selling opportunities with existing customers. After all, it’s tough to dispute the uncontrollable growth of mobility and its related services.
Traditionally the most popular form of USB charging has been the standalone module. However, integrating USB charging functionality into the existing standard twin socket allows installers to fit the socket into their customers’ existing power points, taking advantage of existing wiring and circuitry. USB Integrated Sockets allow four devices to be charged at once – two plugs and two USBs.
Another sophisticated innovation is the introduction of Dynamic Device Recognition (DDR); the ability to detect nuances in charging configurations in the device and its appetite for power. DDR is unique to each USB port, which means that different manufacturers’ devices, for example Samsung and Apple can be charged simultaneously without any impairment to the other. For the ultimate user experience, each port can also charge different types of devices, such as smartphones and tablets, at the same time.
In most cases, installers would need to know the exact specifications of their customers to ensure devices could be used with the USB Integrated Sockets. However, the latest USB charging solutions on the market are compatible with all devices, which is particularly useful for hospitality environments where it is impossible to know what device the end-user is travelling with. The fixed installation USB chargers also remove the need for continual PAT testing of adaptors, reducing the risk of unapproved chargers being used, which can lead to damage of devices.
With a tangible product now readily available, contractors can quickly jump on the opportunity that USB charging presents. Equally, contractors that act quickly to raise awareness of the powerful potential of USB charging solutions, with new and existing customers, will seize momentum quickly, consolidate their expertise, and generate a new revenue opportunities.
By Nadine Deery, channel marketing manager, MK Electric
