Xiaomi introduces first over-the-air charging system called Mi Air Charge
Xiaomi aims for a truly wireless future with the Mi Air Charge system, which is capable of charging multiple devices wirelessly from a distance.
The Mi Air Charge station broadcasts a charging signal
Traditional wireless chargers still need to be attached to a power source, be it a battery pack or outlet. The latest technology from Xiaomi, on the other hand, uses radio waves to charge a device over the air -- truly without wires.
Xiaomi announced its new Mi Air Charge technology on Friday. The system uses a base station with 144 antennas broadcasting a charging signal to compatible devices.
Xiaomi says that a smartphone with a receiving antenna array can connect to the charging point "within a radius of several meters." The company says that users can move about the room and have objects between the devices without interrupting charging.
A millimeter-wave signal is broadcasted directly to the device via beamforming with a beacon antenna. The device can charge multiple phones at 5W of power each.
Xiaomi hopes to use this technology in smart watches, speakers, and other appliances so that future devices no longer need a power cable at all. They imagine a world where everything in the room is truly wireless.
This isn't the first we've heard of "truly wireless" charging. Apple was previously rumored to be partnered with Energous, an over-the-air charging company, but the rumors never panned out. Although are no current rumors of Apple using distance wireless charging technology, previous rumors began as the Energous CEO said they had partnered with a "tier one company". At the time, it was implied to be Apple.
A future iPhone could implement such a technology as the company is said to be moving away from charging ports entirely. However, Apple tends to wait until new technologies are improved before considering them.
The Mi Air Charge station broadcasts a charging signal
Traditional wireless chargers still need to be attached to a power source, be it a battery pack or outlet. The latest technology from Xiaomi, on the other hand, uses radio waves to charge a device over the air -- truly without wires.
Xiaomi announced its new Mi Air Charge technology on Friday. The system uses a base station with 144 antennas broadcasting a charging signal to compatible devices.
Xiaomi says that a smartphone with a receiving antenna array can connect to the charging point "within a radius of several meters." The company says that users can move about the room and have objects between the devices without interrupting charging.
A millimeter-wave signal is broadcasted directly to the device via beamforming with a beacon antenna. The device can charge multiple phones at 5W of power each.
Xiaomi hopes to use this technology in smart watches, speakers, and other appliances so that future devices no longer need a power cable at all. They imagine a world where everything in the room is truly wireless.
This isn't the first we've heard of "truly wireless" charging. Apple was previously rumored to be partnered with Energous, an over-the-air charging company, but the rumors never panned out. Although are no current rumors of Apple using distance wireless charging technology, previous rumors began as the Energous CEO said they had partnered with a "tier one company". At the time, it was implied to be Apple.
A future iPhone could implement such a technology as the company is said to be moving away from charging ports entirely. However, Apple tends to wait until new technologies are improved before considering them.
Comments
Based on the last time I dealt with active phased array tech, that base station is likely over $750 in parts alone.
Exactly, what he said...
However, I unfortunately do not understand a thing related to this technology but enjoy when folks here who do, share with all of us their diverse knowledge. Thanks!
We're talking tenths of a degree
https://arxiv.org/pdf/1503.05944.pdf
And the GREAT news is that it only has a “few meter” range, so you will have a microwave in every room!!
https://www.engineering.com/story/wireless-power-but-not-what-tesla-had-in-mind
This kind of technology will make wearables better like Airpods always being charged and people able to use the Apple Watch overnight for sleep tracking. It can also help increase the endurance of batteries because devices can include a low capacity solid state battery with a long recharge cycle endurance that is charged and drained instead of the main battery and even charging the main battery will be at a slower rate so keeps the heat down.
It doesn't take much to charge mobile devices. A 5W charger will charge a mobile phone around 50% in an hour. Airpods have a 1-2Wh battery, they can be charged in an hour and last the whole day. Wireless mice would never need plugged in. It might work for laptops too when they are only being used for light-weight tasks. Wireless doorbells/cameras, wireless LED lighting, smartlocks, electric toothbrushes, shavers etc.
LOL.....
Plugging your ears might be your best bet on that one.... Best of luck!