Wireless charging likely coming to Apple's 'iPhone 8,' but not Energous's long-range solut...
A new report sheds some doubt on Apple's "iPhone 8" including Energous wireless charging at-range technology, and suggests that it will either use the Qi or the Airfuel protocols.
In a research note provided to AppleInsider, Timothy Arcuri from Cowen and Company believes that wireless charging will make an appearance in the so-called "iPhone 8." However, which solution will be utilized is not clear -- but it probably won't be Energous making an appearance.
One well-developed technology, Qi, utilizes one coil inside a compatible device phone needing rough alignment with a matching coil on a designated pad. The competing Airfuel specification supports a coil as well as magnetic resonance which does not need to be placed in the same proximity, or accuracy, as a device with a Qi coil.
Arcuri notes that there are chip sets and supporting gear intended for mobile devices that support both Qi and Airfuel, with the Galaxy S6 utilizing one such implementation. Additionally, there are already third-party charging case and pad combinations available now for the iPhone.
In January, Energous CEO Steve Rizzone said that the company had signed a deal to put Energous charging solutions in a device from ""one of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world" but declined to say who it was, or what product it would end up in. However, the most recent quote from the CEO is not the first time that a connection with Apple was insinuated, with nothing ultimately developing.
A longer range version of the product has not received FCC approval as the higher power levels would likely violate FCC rules regarding unlicensed transmitters and possibly exceed delivered power regulations as well. Arcuri believes that in its current form, Energous' technology would never be approved by the regulatory agency.
The company is thought to be working on three new iPhones, including two modest "iPhone 7s" upgrades and a flagship "iPhone 8," which other than including wireless charging technology, is rumored to include a 5.2-inch curved OLED display with embedded sensors, and possibly some form of facial recognition technology.
In a research note provided to AppleInsider, Timothy Arcuri from Cowen and Company believes that wireless charging will make an appearance in the so-called "iPhone 8." However, which solution will be utilized is not clear -- but it probably won't be Energous making an appearance.
One well-developed technology, Qi, utilizes one coil inside a compatible device phone needing rough alignment with a matching coil on a designated pad. The competing Airfuel specification supports a coil as well as magnetic resonance which does not need to be placed in the same proximity, or accuracy, as a device with a Qi coil.
Arcuri notes that there are chip sets and supporting gear intended for mobile devices that support both Qi and Airfuel, with the Galaxy S6 utilizing one such implementation. Additionally, there are already third-party charging case and pad combinations available now for the iPhone.
Energous is likely out
The often-promised Energous technology uses 5GHz radio frequency emissions coupled with beam-forming to deliver power at range. However, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has only approved an a version which delivers very low power only over a few inches.In January, Energous CEO Steve Rizzone said that the company had signed a deal to put Energous charging solutions in a device from ""one of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world" but declined to say who it was, or what product it would end up in. However, the most recent quote from the CEO is not the first time that a connection with Apple was insinuated, with nothing ultimately developing.
A longer range version of the product has not received FCC approval as the higher power levels would likely violate FCC rules regarding unlicensed transmitters and possibly exceed delivered power regulations as well. Arcuri believes that in its current form, Energous' technology would never be approved by the regulatory agency.
The company is thought to be working on three new iPhones, including two modest "iPhone 7s" upgrades and a flagship "iPhone 8," which other than including wireless charging technology, is rumored to include a 5.2-inch curved OLED display with embedded sensors, and possibly some form of facial recognition technology.
Comments
We don't need wireless charging as a primary charging method. We need solar power supplementation as a way of recharging and extending battery life dramatically. Apple already has the patent for it.
2) You'll still be able to plug in the device to charge. This isn't an either/or situation so there's no reason to complain about it.
3) Personally, I look forward to not having to manually line up plugging in or using two hands unplug my phone. even with a weighed dock with a sticky bottom it can still require two hands to keep the dock in place. This can resolve that limitation.
A glass front and back, with dozens of receptors, absorbing natural and artificial light. Virtually every time you pick up and unlock your phone (the only time the battery is draining significantly) it will be recharging. The net result is a battery that could potentially last a LONG time. The potential isn't known. It could be a few more hours, or it could be days, or longer.
2) A dock doesn't make the connection any faster as you still need to plug it into the port and then remove it from the port with a certain amount of force.
3) Inductive charging or a SmartConnector would simply allow for easier charging. How is that iHome Alarm Clock working out for your in your car when you drive?
I see the appeal of wireless charging but as long as the distance cannot exceed 10 cm I really do not see the point. All it would do is take up extra hardware space inside the iPhone (yes you need extra hardware for this) and it would drive up the cost of the phone without any real tangible gain.