Xiaomi promises true wireless charging in a whole room, but without giving a date | iGeneration
Xiaomi would have finally created true wireless charging, the one that works without having to put a device on a base and remotely. In this case, the “Mi Air Charge” technology can power a smartphone anywhere in a room. It is enough to be in the room with a charging base so that the latter connects to the smartphone and charges it with a power of 5 W.
This idea of charging devices remotely is not new, we were already talking about it in 2011 with a prototype that appeared based on an iMac at the time. Closer to home, it was Disney who had imagined in 2017 a piece capable of powering all its electrical devices without any wires. Multiple players have promised such technology over the years, without however materializing it beyond more or less functional prototypes.
Xiaomi may have found the formula that works, but its technology is also only at the prototype stage, unfortunately. The Chinese manufacturer has confirmed to The Verge that this product will not be released in 2021 and it does not advance to give a date, even vague. Despite everything, this prototype seems more advanced and concrete than anything we have come across so far.
The company details the device, which is based on 144 antennas in the base and 14 antennas distributed in the smartphone. Charging is not limited to a single device at a time, so you can charge multiple smartphones with a single base, all at 5W maximum, which is the basic level of Qi inductive charging. In addition, Xiaomi plans to extend the device to other devices: connected bracelet and watch, but also speakers, bulbs and other home automation devices could be powered wirelessly.
If Xiaomi is not satisfied with an announcement and a working prototype in its laboratories, the manufacturer could finally materialize this old promise of truly wireless charging. But no need to hold your breath, as long as we don't have at least a vague date...
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