Look Ma, no cables
Key Takeaways
Get ready to ditch your charger.
A growing number of companies are promising to charge your gadgets through the air without the need for cables.
Smartphone manufacturer Opporecently revealeda wireless air charging system.
Qi Yang / Getty Images
Chinese phone maker Xiaomialready has unveileda similar technology that could be available soon.
The new systems could mean the end to the perpetual search for power sockets.
“Wireless power over the air lets devices take care of the consumer.”
Qi Yang / Getty Images
Infrared Charging Is One Approach
These new charging systems work by broadcasting energy through the air.
Oppos technology uses magnetic resonance to deliver power when a gadget is 10 centimeters from a charging mat.
Xiaomi says its air charging also can work with smartwatches and fitness bracelets.
The infrared light is converted to electrical energy using a small photovoltaic cell.
“Wi-Charge is changing the world by using light to transfer electricity without wires.”
There have been technical challenges to making wireless air chargers.
Motorolareportedly recently demonstrateda prototype remotecharging stationwith the branding “Motorola One Hyper.”
A company executive showed off two phones charging over distances of 80cm and 100cm in a video.
The video demonstrated how charging stops when a users hand is placed in front of the charging station.
Technical Hurdles Remain
Progress has been slow in developing smartphones that can charge over the air.
One example is theDynamic Luggage Tagslaunched by British Airways last year.
