Could it be that a universal inductive charger is more than just a dream? Thanks to a recent report by Engadget, we now know the answer to be: quite possibly.
This futuristic realization comes following the news that The Wireless Power Consortium‘s “Qi low power standard is ready,” meaning universal wireless charging may be just around the corner.
The dream is that we’ll soon have Qi-approved base stations capable of providing power to Qi-approved phones wirelessly, via an inductive pad similar to that used by the Palm Pre. Initially, this is going to be limited to devices requiring only 5 Watts of charge or below – an easy hurdle to jump. However in time, we’re guessing this figure will only grow as our understanding of the technology advances.
Sadly, until universal wireless charging becomes a firm reality, we’re just going to have to make do with our Apple-designed white iDevice chargers – which is dull, but manageable. If you want to keep up to date with the latest Qi-advances, be sure to check out The Wireless Power Consortium’s site.
[Image credit: Engadget]
Ever heard of PowerMat?
That’s what I’m saying… I have powermat. It’d be a lot more useful if the case I had to put on my iPhone didn’t make it weigh forty more pound, though.
Just get a dock. Its the smarter thing to do. No case and does basically the same thing a powermat like device is meant to, Quickly charge your device.
Also, you throw around the term “Qi” in this story several times without ever explaining what it is.
Seems like a lot of hassle not to plug my ipod in. Now wireless charging with no mat. That would rock.
Or you could also… Oh, I don’t know… Plunk your iPhone into its dock.
The problem is current power mats are essentially a hack and require bulky cases.
Since you can’t get into the iPhone without the dock connector, these cases have to all connect via a dock connector.