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What is Qi Wireless Charging and Why Should I Care?
Wireless Charging Technology
Mobile wireless technology has been moving faster than a dozen doughnuts in the office break room. It seems like every day we hear the announcement of the latest and greatest mobile tech gadget. Screens are pushing pixels to the limits of what the human eye can even see. Processors that allow you to do hundreds of things at the same time. Batteries that charge in 30 minutes. No matter what the innovation or what the newest tech toy is it’s almost impossible to keep on top of it all.
The Father of Wireless Charging Nikola Tesla
What is Wireless Charging?
One of the newest and most exciting technological advancements has been charging technologies. Batteries now charge faster than ever and last longer than ever. The most exciting aspect of this wireless revolution is wireless charging. You may or may not have heard about wireless charging, but we believe that wireless charging will be the standard in the future.
What is wireless charging you ask? First, we’ll give the technical definition and then we’ll show you what wireless charging really means for home use, consumer use, transportation, wearable tech and so much more.
Wireless charging, also referred to as induction charging is the process of the charger emitting alternating currents through a coil that transmits the voltage to the receiver coil, that creates an electromagnetic field between the two devices that, in turn, charges your device. The magnetic field "creates" electricity through the difference of potential and vibration.
The first inkling of wireless charging technology started with a man named Nikola Tesla. Nikola Tesla first discovered that you could transfer power between two objects through an electromagnetic field. This is the same theory that traditional wall chargers use. Now that the textbook definition is over, let’s explain that in some more accessible terms. With wireless induction charging all you have to do is place your device on the charging plate and charge away. There are no specialized USB cables to connect and no wires to untangle. You can even charge your devices wirelessly through phone cases.
Qi wireless chargers like this can not only charge a phone on top of the device but also has five other ports that quick charge other phones and tablets via USB
Wireless Qi Charging
There is a term floating around in the wireless charging industry is “Qi charging.” Qi wireless charging is the global standard for many smartphones that allows you to charge your device via induction charging. With this new technology, it’s natural for questions to arise. Questions like, where can I use Qi wireless charging? How long does it take to charge my device through Qi charging? Is Qi charging dangerous?
Right now you can charge your device on a Qi Wireless Charger Pad, or other wireless charging banks. But just like Wifi Hotspots, Qi is going to be found everywhere, in hotels, airports, train stations and your local coffee shop.
You may have actually seen these devices pop up at your local Starbucks. There are new quick charging wireless pads being released all the time, but at the moment the chargers are only able to charge at 1 amp, which is a little slower than most traditional wall chargers. This will soon change as technology advances. Charge times will vary by device but will always be improving. The device emits non-ionizing radiation which is not harmful to humans, so it is completely safe.
Wireless Charging Cases
Qi Wireless Charging Pad
How can I get wireless charging on my Device?
Wireless charging is a new technology, so at the moment only the latest smartphones will support it. However, there are wireless charging adapter cards, or even wireless charging cases for the iPhone 5, 6 and 7, that can quickly add the function to your smartphone. We strongly believe that wireless charging will be the new standard for charging. If your device supports it try it, or pick up a case or adapter and see for yourself, how cool this new technology really is. It’s so awesome to be able to sit down for lunch place your charging pad on the table and start charging your phone. No wires, no plugs, no hassle. There is something satisfyingly futuristic about it.
Wireless Charging Cases for iPhone
The Future of Wireless Charging: Real Life Applications
You have heard what wireless charging means for the individual user, but there are much greater applications for how you interact with your world. The first place you will see this technology applied is in the field of transportation. Imagine charged highways that can charge your car, train or bus just by driving over it. You'll see new vehicles powered entirely by this type of induction charging, and being controlled by the power electromagnets.
The next application would be in the medical field. Medical devices can be powered with no wires. This can limit contamination and limit the physical hazards of typical medical battery packs.
The last place where wireless charging will make an impact will be with wearable technology and traditional battery charging. Charging your watch is something that is new in the world of timepieces. With wireless charging, you could just throw your watch on your nightstand like you usually do, but this time, be charging it at the same time. Secondly, we all know that one drawer in our house that is filled with junk, whether it be tape, plastic bags, staples, small tools and other things like that. But one thing that drawer in your house always has is AA and AAA batteries that power your remotes, your smoke detectors, and other devices. Imagine being able to charge these batteries wirelessly allowing you to clean out that junk drawer.
Charge your vehicle by driving over it, or roads powered by the sun
