Qi wireless power standard finalized, universal contactless chargers look closer to reality than ever

The Wireless Power Consortium took a big step forward this past week with the confirmation that its precocious Qi interoperability standard has been finalized. Composed of three documents setting out the interface, performance and compliance requirements, the new dictum has set itself the not inconsiderable challenge of making wireless charging universal, so that any Qi-approved phone can soak up juice from any Qi-verified base station, dock or omnitool. This first spec is limited to devices requiring no more than 5 Watts, an appropriately humble early goal, though cauldrons are already bubbling with ideas for laptops and the like. We just hope the impressive list of big time companies on the Consortium will succeed in taking Qi into the mainstream -- who here hasn't dreamt of their phone being compatible with the Touchstone?

[Thanks, MrStringTheorist]

[The Albatross Posted Jul 26th 2010 9:15AM]

Speaking of this technology ...

Isn't it about time that every phone integrate plug-less charging? I remember when the Pre was debuting, oh whenevr that was, I thought to myself, "I may not get this phone, but at least phones in the future will willingly steal its tech."

Sadly, I'm still micro-USBing every night.

[jonyah Posted Jul 26th 2010 9:23AM]

Touchstone FTW. Just modified my EVO for use with my 4 touchstones. There's no way I could leave them behind with my pre.

[Timerider Posted Jul 26th 2010 9:29AM]

soak up juice from any Qi-verified base station, dock or omnitool.

Stop making me want to play Mass Effect again.

[Pyromjm Posted Jul 26th 2010 12:40PM]

@Timerider
Had the same thought.

[Aaron Neyer Posted Jul 26th 2010 10:44AM]

Now I want to see this integrated into my pants pocket, with a small, unnoticeable, waterproof battery in my pants that recharges through Piezoelectricity or whatever that stuff is.

[rharm Posted Jul 26th 2010 1:13PM]

@Aaron Neyer - you want that in your pants?

[Aaron Neyer Posted Jul 26th 2010 1:16PM]

@rharm Not that exact thing but if they can get the technology to work where I don't even notice a difference then yes. My phone can charge while I walk.

[Awall1987 Posted Jul 26th 2010 5:22PM]

I don't get it... Your phone is still tied down to one spot. What's the difference between this and a dock charger? You just set it the cradle, or you set it on a mat (and use a hyper gay case)

I can't believe I'm reading comments where people act like this has changed their lives.

Call me when my stuff charges while I walk around

[HaloBuff Posted Jul 27th 2010 2:10AM]

@Awall1987 You obviously haven't read the posts about that fabric that charges from kinetic movement...

[sh22 Posted Jul 27th 2010 2:22AM]

this is good.. but the clock part of it makes it look at least 5-10 years old

now if it had a Transparent Electroluminescent Display clock like in this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lY9aXzfBuE

i think that would make it very futuristic.

[vr3690 Posted Jul 28th 2010 1:34AM]

I think wireless power is going to be the hot new trend. I am sure all of you know how a few years ago a couple of MIT scientists transmitted power wirelessly at a distance of 6-7 feet. It's just too cool. Check out this link about wireless power : http://www.whackk.com/july-2010/wireless-power