Remember that wireless induction charger that we saw poking around at the CES iLounge Pavilion earlier this year? Seems that Case-Mate has finally given that little doohickey a name, a price and a ship date. The aptly-titled Hug (which consists of the Hug Case and Hug Pad) slips onto one's iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS and allows Apple's darling to get recharged by simply laying on the aforementioned platter. Of course, the case itself is distractingly bulky, and this whole thing relies on the same eCoupled technology that we've been seeing for years now -- though, the fact that this pad will charge any other case that utilizes the same standard is worth noting. Is the ability to never need your dock connecting cable for rejuvenation purposes really worth the $99.99 asking price? We're guessing not, but those that disagree can get their own shipped out this very moment.
@juanvaldez I don't think so. Whilst I can sync push email/contacts/calendars, to get content in and out of the iPod app requires a USB connection, or jail breaking presumably.
I don't mind at all, for my needs, after all I sync a lot of content I'd imagine it would be slower if not through USB. It'd be nice if Apple have people the option though.
Quickly download any type of file or directory to your iPhone. View your files or upload them to a friend's iPhone. Briefcase makes transferring files completely painless: it requires no cables, no client software...
@microlomaniac I totally agree. I really don't get why I need to connect to USB to move music from iTunes to iPhone or install OS upgrades. This is 1999 Palm Pilot style ...what the heck is Bonjour for? iTunes should find my iPhone the same way as iTunes find remote speakers.
@DeviantmacG yeah, I see this the way you do. I think the advantage is for supporting multiple charging devices at once, since IIRC most of the other devices don't need a special "jacket", but I could easily be wrong. So, maybe you buy this so you can inductively charge device X, and then you just like the look so you also do the same with your iPhone...dunno.
@DeviantmacG You don't see any advantage because there is none. Actually, IMHO, the reason this will fail isn't because of the utter pointlessness of it, or the prohibitive cost. It's the stupid jacket you have to wrap it in that makes the phone a brick. Give me a mat that can charge all my devices with no "jackets" and MAYBE I'll consider buying it. Yes, I know that some devices are supported natively, but not nearly enough.
@juanvaldez I can see the point of charging w/o synching. I have a charging doc at my office, and I don't want to sync with that computer. I just don't think the wireless charging will take off until its integrated, Pre-style.
Don't you still have to plug the pad in though? I don't get it. This is a silly and pointless device. Lemme know when they make a pad that I can set my iPhone on WITHOUT some gawdy, bulky case, then I'll drop $100.
I've noticed allot of these "wireless" chargers for phones where the case slips over the phone and the phone is placed on a pad. Is there a standard where the cases will work with other company's pads and if so wouldn't it be a good idea for phone/laptop/gadget manufacturers to embrace this technology that way pads can be integrated into everyday objects. (such as coffie tables, train tables, work desks)
Imagine sitting down on the train on the way to work pulling your laptop out of the bag to get a head start on the day, placing it on the table and it starts charging without you having to pull chargers out and pack them all away before you miss your stop.
@steel I hear ya. I really dug the touchstone when I had my pre. It's nice especially when driving to just set it down and it just does it's thing. I have since ditched the pre for a 3GS but would love it if they incorporated that into a future model. Not holding my breath though!
Hmm what is the reason that all these charging jackets are so thick? The palm touchstone back panel is just a few mm thick (and it's no thicker than the non-touchstone back panel). Just 4 little magnets and the inductive charging circuitry, pretty simple really.
I have a Pre, and it's pretty nice not to ever have to plug the phone in, especially considering how annoying accessing the microusb port is. The Pre of course can wirelessly sync, without getting in trouble with Palm or needing to worry about downloading that latest OS update.
That said, it's pretty expensive. Three touchstones, three power adapters, and the touchstone back panel = over $200 in chargers. Still worth it. The Pre has atrocious battery life so it's necessary to charge it as much as possible throughout the day.
Now that my primary phone is an N900 I sigh every time I plug it in.
Inductive charging is something every phone should have. I wish there was a standard for the charging and the magnet layout (a la vesa LCD mounts) to make all the chargers interchangeable though.
Man you companies people really want to make money so badly off these ipods. No thanks. I can sit here and enjoy my ZUNE HD. Battery last longer. 90$ still too much just a back up battery charger jeeze.
ahhh finally a company that understands my needs...
I can see the advert now. Do you have too much money? is your iphone too light for your pockets of steel? does the action of inserting a cable into a slot too risque for your sensitive nature? well we have the answer. this bloody great magnetic table is also suitable for those suffering from verticaldockingisscaryaphobia. available now at no self respecting retailer.
A little harsh perhaps but i really think its a waste of time and energy.
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posted Mar 9th 2010 7:38AM
Don't see the point when you have to connect via USB for syncing content anyway.
@darwiniandude air syncing is possible. Of course, there's a *paid* app for that.
@juanvaldez
I don't think so. Whilst I can sync push email/contacts/calendars, to get content in and out of the iPod app requires a USB connection, or jail breaking presumably.
I don't mind at all, for my needs, after all I sync a lot of content I'd imagine it would be slower if not through USB. It'd be nice if Apple have people the option though.
@darwiniandude "Briefcase" description:
Quickly download any type of file or directory to your iPhone. View your files or upload them to a friend's iPhone. Briefcase makes transferring files completely painless: it requires no cables, no client software...
5 bucks.
@juanvaldez That's not syncing.
BTW there are free apps that do this as well, ie Files Lite (with a size limit).
@microlomaniac I totally agree. I really don't get why I need to connect to USB to move music from iTunes to iPhone or install OS upgrades. This is 1999 Palm Pilot style ...what the heck is Bonjour for? iTunes should find my iPhone the same way as iTunes find remote speakers.
@Jimbojones go try and transfer a movie or album via bluetooth and see how long it takes and you will soon see why
How come 50% of engadgets posts start with "remember that thing we told you about"....how about some writing variety, its gets old. lol
don't get the real advantage here.... you still need to plug in your iphone... so just plug it in to your usb ... faster, better, cheaper
@DeviantmacG yeah, I see this the way you do. I think the advantage is for supporting multiple charging devices at once, since IIRC most of the other devices don't need a special "jacket", but I could easily be wrong. So, maybe you buy this so you can inductively charge device X, and then you just like the look so you also do the same with your iPhone...dunno.
@DeviantmacG
You don't see any advantage because there is none. Actually, IMHO, the reason this will fail isn't because of the utter pointlessness of it, or the prohibitive cost. It's the stupid jacket you have to wrap it in that makes the phone a brick. Give me a mat that can charge all my devices with no "jackets" and MAYBE I'll consider buying it. Yes, I know that some devices are supported natively, but not nearly enough.
@juanvaldez I can see the point of charging w/o synching. I have a charging doc at my office, and I don't want to sync with that computer. I just don't think the wireless charging will take off until its integrated, Pre-style.
.... Some people will pay $100 just so they don't have to plug something in?! I'm clearly in the wrong business.
@Nolano
Don't you still have to plug the pad in though? I don't get it. This is a silly and pointless device. Lemme know when they make a pad that I can set my iPhone on WITHOUT some gawdy, bulky case, then I'll drop $100.
I've noticed allot of these "wireless" chargers for phones where the case slips over the phone and the phone is placed on a pad. Is there a standard where the cases will work with other company's pads and if so wouldn't it be a good idea for phone/laptop/gadget manufacturers to embrace this technology that way pads can be integrated into everyday objects. (such as coffie tables, train tables, work desks)
Imagine sitting down on the train on the way to work pulling your laptop out of the bag to get a head start on the day, placing it on the table and it starts charging without you having to pull chargers out and pack them all away before you miss your stop.
Just an idea :)
@Scouse Pricey Yes: http://www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com/
So, what are the chances that Apple builds an inductive charging circuit into the next iPhone?
Or will they save that little upgrade for next year, like they enjoy doing?
@steel I hear ya. I really dug the touchstone when I had my pre. It's nice especially when driving to just set it down and it just does it's thing. I have since ditched the pre for a 3GS but would love it if they incorporated that into a future model. Not holding my breath though!
@steel about the same as Android updating that horrible music app or maybe that will be in the next update that further fragments its users
My iPhone will become a fatty
Mine won't.
Is it really that much easier to use than just plugin in the regular cable?
http://www.wergadgets.com/
@The Gadgetman Thats what I was thinking how lazy can ya get.
Thank you, Mr. NoSteadyHands.
And, yes, these devices are a bummer until we finally get wireless iTunes syncing.
Hmm what is the reason that all these charging jackets are so thick? The palm touchstone back panel is just a few mm thick (and it's no thicker than the non-touchstone back panel). Just 4 little magnets and the inductive charging circuitry, pretty simple really.
I have a Pre, and it's pretty nice not to ever have to plug the phone in, especially considering how annoying accessing the microusb port is. The Pre of course can wirelessly sync, without getting in trouble with Palm or needing to worry about downloading that latest OS update.
That said, it's pretty expensive. Three touchstones, three power adapters, and the touchstone back panel = over $200 in chargers. Still worth it. The Pre has atrocious battery life so it's necessary to charge it as much as possible throughout the day.
Now that my primary phone is an N900 I sigh every time I plug it in.
Inductive charging is something every phone should have. I wish there was a standard for the charging and the magnet layout (a la vesa LCD mounts) to make all the chargers interchangeable though.
What about a poll ?
"What do you REALLY want in your next iphone"
Wireless Sync
Built in compatibility with power-mates
Built in IR emitter
Two SIM slots
and so on ...
this kind of poll are easily found on the web, but it would be really cool if Engadget had it's own nice looking big poll.
@deuscaesar
Full AV frickin RCP.
Cannot believe I still have to get the damn phone out of my pocket just to skip tracks.
Man you companies people really want to make money so badly off these ipods. No thanks. I can sit here and enjoy my ZUNE HD. Battery last longer. 90$ still too much just a back up battery charger jeeze.
Why would anyone want to spend that much money on a charger being used for a single device?
ahhh finally a company that understands my needs...
I can see the advert now. Do you have too much money? is your iphone too light for your pockets of steel? does the action of inserting a cable into a slot too risque for your sensitive nature? well we have the answer. this bloody great magnetic table is also suitable for those suffering from verticaldockingisscaryaphobia. available now at no self respecting retailer.
A little harsh perhaps but i really think its a waste of time and energy.