Toyota says it’ll be producing the first car in the world with built-in Qi wireless charging.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited will be available in the USA with a ‘Technology Package’ that also includes radar-controlled cruise control, automatic high beams and a pre-collision safety system.

Wireless connections for power and battery charging are becoming increasingly popular, not just in mobile devices but in a wide range of situations from medical equipment to electric vehicles.

The adoption of international standards - such as the Qi technology used by recent devices from HTC, LG and Nokia - is also helping to drive the market, according to a new report from Pike Research.

Around 10,000 new wireless charging points will be installed in public places across Japan within the next six months, according to a new report.

The chargers, which use the Qi standard, will enable users to recharge compatible mobile devices without plugging in a cable.

Nokia has announced its first two Windows Phone 8 devices at a special event in New York today.

The Nokia Lumia 920 is the company’s flagship Windows Phone 8 smartphone, incorporating the company’s PureView imaging technology with low-light capability and image stabilisation to offer clearer photographs. It’s also equipped with Nokia City Lens - a new location-based augmented reality service - along with wireless charging and a 2000mAh battery.

Market research company IHS iSuppli has been looking at the trend of incorporating 'wireless charging' cradles or mats in vehicles. It says proprietary solutions are now giving way to industry standards that are compatible with a variety of devices.

The company notes that Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles could include Powermat inductive charging from next year.