Qualcomm Creates Solution to Wirelessly Charge Metal Mobile Devices
Wireless charging is a convenient way to charge mobile devices without having to deal with cords, but devices with metal bodies were not capable of being charged wirelessly. Until recently: Qualcomm has found a solution to this issue, CNET reports.
Qualcomm Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm announced Tuesday that they have found a way for wireless charging to work with devices with metal exteriors. They are calling the technology WiPower.
The reason why metal-bodied devices were not capable of being charged with wireless chargers is because these chargers use an induction charger that heats up metal devices. This meant these wireless charging systems would get metal devices too hot and thus they were incompatible with this type of charging.
Qualcomm will use magnetic resonance for their wireless charging technology. This will allow metal items to survive the charge without overheating.
Magnetic resonance creates a charge within a small three-dimensional space. This means that nearby metal items like coins and keys will not be affected by the charge.
The process sounds complicated, but as the Verge reports, as long as the device is within the range of the wireless charging device, it will charge. That could mean a charging pad or mat.
Qualcomm was able to develop the technology to charge more than just small items. This wireless charging technology will be able to charge larger metal items such as tablets and phones. In fact, the latest technology from Qualcomm can charge devices made entirely of metal.
The technology is not quite ready for a public release, since it has just been invented by Qualcomm. Companies that produce metal devices will have to enable their devices to accept the charging from the WiPower technology.
WiPower offers cell phone owners convenience. They will be able to place their phones on a charging pad or surface without having to worry about lining it up. Multiple devices can also be charged at the same time, even if they have different power requirements.
"Building a wireless charging solution into devices with metal exteriors is a significant step for moving the entire industry forward," said Steve Pazol, general manager of Wireless Charging for Qualcomm, in a press release.
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