Molouk Y. Ba-Isa Saudi Gazette Wireless power has been gradually seeping into the consumer market for the last couple of years. With many companies now adopting it into their devices, 2013 may be the year you get to cut the cord and throw away your charger forever. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is a low power standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium for inductive electrical power transfer over distances of up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). A Qi charging system works by using a power transmission pad and a compatible receiver in a portable device, such as a mobile phone. To charge, the mobile device is placed anywhere on top of or near the power transmission pad. Energy is passed from the pad to the device via magnetic induction. Any Qi-enabled device works with any Qi charger, regardless of brand or manufacturer. TechNavio's analysts forecast that the Global Wireless Charging market will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 55.5 percent over the period 2011-2015. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the ability of wireless chargers to allow for the charging of multiple devices at the same time. The big names in the wireless charging space are Duracell, Energizer and Fulton Innovation but others are trying to get a piece of the action. Toshiba just announced that the company is collaborating with Hanrim Postec LLC (Hanrim) and has developed two products to the Qi standard, utilizing Hanrim's non-contact charging system. At its website, www.ecoupled.com, Fulton Innovation is showing how Qi systems can be incorporated in a variety of settings from the kitchen to the boardroom. And Toyota has just announced that the Toyota 2013 Avalon Limited will be the first car available in the world that offers in-console Qi wireless charging for Qi-enabled mobile phones and devices as part of a Technology Package. The Avalon's wireless charging pad is integrated into the ebin lid situated in the vehicle's center console. The system can be enabled by a switch beneath the lid, and charging is as simple as placing the phone on the lid's high-friction surface. “Pioneering the ability to charge with no wires, no connectors by simply dropping devices in the car console is a simplicity which reflects Toyota's continuing innovation to improve the consumer experience. We see wireless charging as an important feature that helps enhance the high technology theme and consumer interface offered by Avalon Limited which is already equipped with three TFT color screens and Intellitouch controls,” said Randy Stephens, Chief Engineer of Avalon. Qi wireless charging is now in 32 mobile phones worldwide, including recent launches of the LG Google Nexus 4, Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC Windows Phone 8X. Qi-certified products range from smartphones to charging pads, gaming controllers, Blu-ray Disc recorders, smartphone docking speakers, automobile phone chargers, alarm clocks and battery packs. There are also charging modules that can be installed in tabletops and furniture. Unfortunately, despite extensive testing, some consumers are still worried that Qi wireless charging systems are dangerous. It's good to know that the systems automatically cease charging if metal objects such as keys or coins are detected as safety hazards. In fact, wireless charging is so safe that even manufacturers of electric vehicles are creating systems that will allow vehicles to be recharged wirelessly, with the first such system expected to come to market in the first half of 2013. For the moment though, cables are still the norm in Saudi Arabia. If you have a new Apple device that comes with a lightning connector, that can create misery in the search for mobile lifestyle accessories. Belkin has just launched the first hardwired Car Charger for the lightning connector. It has a 1.2m cable, over-voltage protection and retails for $35. It doesn't work well with some protective cases, so consider that in any purchase decision.
