Inductive Charging, Qi standard rolling in...
Inductive chargers have been kicking around for a while now, but Energizer’s new charging platter is the first to utilise Qi technology – the new universal standard for inductive charging. That’s one small step closer to total freedom from cables.
Qi, which was recently approved as the inductive standard by the Wireless Power Consortium, will allow any Qi-equipped gadget that requires less than five watts to power up on any Qi charging surface. Energizer’s new charger is the first to support the new standard, but eventually, the idea is that you’ll be able to toss your phone or MP3 player on a charging station at your friends’ house, even one made by a different manufacturer, and they’ll just work, no fuss.
Energizer’s charging station is launching with a Qi sleeve for the iPhone 3GS and a replacement Qi battery for the Blackberry Curve 8900, though before long, Energizer’s hoping manufacturers will start building Qi right into the gadgets themselves. Then we’ll really be cooking with this whole wireless charging thing.
The Qi-ready Inductive Charger will be available in October for $US89; the cases for the iPhone 3GS and Curve 8900 will run $US34.99 each
