Currently, over 40 million devices and products are Qi wireless-charging-compatible. They comprise more than 60 phone, tablet, and charger models. To expand that reach, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) unveiled a Qi resonant extension at CES 2014. According to the WPC, it allows backward-compatible charging with higher efficiency and lower radio-frequency (RF) interference than typical resonant solutions. The extension allows multiple devices to be charged simultaneously and at longer distances.
Using magnetic resonance, Qi wireless charging allows consumers to charge their devices anywhere, safely and quickly, without worrying about the exact positioning of those devices. It also affords companies greater flexibility in integrating Qi into their designs for cars, furniture, chargers, and other accessories. At CES 2014, the WPC showcased what is said to be the first avionics charger. Other demonstrations highlighted hospitality-venue chargers and services, gaming accessories, and the latest Qi-enabled smartphones and tablets.
ConvenientPower’s WoW technology, for example, allows the wireless charging of Qi-enabled phones at distances to 18 mm—three times further than current solutions. In addition to boasting 65% charging efficiency, WoW is scalable to a variety of applications. It even promises to flourish in RF-sensitive environments like cars and planes.