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soon. The connectors on the other end (the end that plugs into our devices) change all the time, but that charging end always stays the same. Speaking of tech that can change, let's talk briefy about wireless charging. This technology lets a compatible phone magically charge by just dropping it on a charging mat. The idea of eliminating cords is really great. I've even got a few of these in my house. Here's the problem: They don't work with all devices all of the time. On top of that, there are two competing charging standards. Notably, iPhones don't ofer this. The only way to use it is to put a special case on your phone. My advice always was to stay from this technology because you never knew if it would work on your particular device. That was until I saw a setup from Corian. Corian can now build a wireless charging coil into a countertop. What's brilliant about this is that you don't need to have a compatible phone. All you need is that little plastic ring pictured on page 30. You plug the ring into your device, and then put the ring on the counter and it starts charging! What's great is that these rings can be contin- ually replaced over the years to accommodate new types of charging plugs. They also eliminate cables strewn about the countertop. The best part is that, when it's not in use, you never know it's there. CHARGING STATIONS Devices have two types of use cases in the kitch- en: active and resting. Active is when it's in use. Examples would be a tablet used to look at recipes, a phone used for game playing or a laptop used for doing work. Putting outlets and USB chargers in the appro- priate place can accommodate devices like this. Resting is for devices that you need to charge, but want out of the way. These would be things like activity trackers, iPods and cameras. Hiding and storing these devices can be an excellent way to organize a kitchen. Often thesedevices are needed on the way out to work or school. Consider this: If you dedicate a drawer or cabinet to tablets, cameras or phones, I strongly suggest looking at typical sizes for these types of devices. Laptops generally have been the same size for years. For charging these, I'd stay away from fancy "charging stations." Simply dedicating a drawer or shelf and build- ing in some 110 and USB outlets can create an organized way to store and charge. Best of all, the homeowner can easily change out the cords and chargers as needed. Read past columns and features and send us your comments about this article and others at KitchenBathDesign.com Above: An outlet built into a drawer helps to keep the kitchen organized. At left: Clever storage solutions keep devices accessible. Photo: Courtesy of MasterBrand Cabinets Photo: Courtesy of MRF Construction, Inc. January 2016 • KitchenBathDesign.com 33 DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Circle No. 21 on Product Card