Increasingly popular, wireless chargers allow you to charge your phone without a bulky cable. Some smartphone models are equipped with the necessary technology to part with its precious cable. The others must equip themselves with a small device.
What are wireless chargers?
Wireless chargers are gradually gaining ground on conventional chargers. Their difference? No more need for a cable to connect your mobile to an electrical outlet and thus no longer need to ask the question of whether the cable is long enough. Many brands of wireless chargers exist: Heliomax, KoolPad, Tevina, Dodocool, Vinsic, and many others. These chargers are very affordable, you can find them for less than 20€.
Qi technology used by wireless chargers
The magnetic induction technology used by mobiles and wireless chargers is called Qi. Not sure the seller understands what you are saying if you are asking for IQ information so pronounce it Chi.
Let's start with a bit of history. This technology was created in 2008 by the Wireless Power Consortium. In French, it is an international cooperation of companies that promote the global standard of wireless energy. It has more than 200 members, including giants in the new technologies sector such as Verizon Wireless, HTC, Philips, Nokia, LG, Panasonic, Apple, Bosch, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Dell and Ikea. Their objective is to market products that integrate this technology in order to standardize it, as was the case for Wi-Fi, for which each manufacturer uses the standard.
Qi technology works through a transmission medium as well as a technology-enabled receiver inside the phone, tablet or other compatible device. Recharging is carried out by placing the device on the transmission medium, thanks to the phenomenon of magnetic induction. To put it simply, the proximity of the device and the support causes an electromagnetic field which generates current. This is how the device will charge.
The disadvantages of the wireless charger
If the cables disappear during recharging, the user is however confronted with the few disadvantages of these devices. Depending on the available charging surface, it is possible to charge two devices at the same time, but chargers are more expensive and less present on the market. Reloading can also be done remotely but always close to the support. Indeed, a device can be placed at a maximum of 40 mm and only for 5 watt chargers. The wireless charging time is slower than the wired method since it is possible to "lose" electricity during transmission. It is therefore better to focus on the charging area only.
Qi technology already integrated in some mobile models
The recent models of the manufacturers, Apple, Samsung, Nokia, Huawei or Nokia, of the Wireless Power Consortium integrate for the most part this Qi wireless charging technology. The list below of models that integrate Qi is not exhaustive but gives an overview:
If you have a model other than those mentioned above, don't panic! You just have to buy in addition to the charger, a receiver that must be placed against the battery of your phone.
Do you want to take full advantage of your laptop with Qi technology? Consult our article dedicated to mobile plans. You can also get advice on 01 82 88 21 81 or ask to be called back to take out the most suitable package and make full use of your wireless charger.
What future for the wireless charger?
Currently limited to a maximum of 5 watts, wireless chargers are dedicated exclusively to smartphones and cameras. However, the Wireless Power Consortium is working to improve Qi technology to adapt it to larger consumer devices, including computers and electric vehicles.
Indeed, a more efficient technology already exists for recharging computers and cars, but it is not available to everyone. Created by WiTricity, it works by magnetic resonance. This is the same operation as Qi technology but at a greater distance. It should soon be marketed.
Still recent, this technology should therefore gradually become part of our habits and thus eliminate our current wired charger.