We are already excited about the incoming Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone but it seems that it just keeps on getting better as today it has been announced that a range of additionally QI Wireless Charging accessories will also be released for the flagship smartphone in the coming months.
What this means is that whilst the S4 won’t support wireless charging out-of-the-box, if you wanted this feature there will be an official optional back battery cover which will bring wireless charging to the smartphone.
Currently the only handset on the market that performs Wireless charging out of box is the Windows Phone 8 running Nokia Lumia 920, but its sister handsets the Lumia 820 also has the functionality of the user buys a Wireless charging kit similar to what Samsung will be offering.
The news is coming form the 130-member Wireless Power Consortium who released the news in a press release where they stated that “Qi cuts the last remaining cord in consumer electronics – the charging cord,”
“The Galaxy S4 is the latest addition to the rapidly expanding Qi ecosystem of mobile devices, charging accessories, charging locations, and consumer electronics with an installed base of more than 15 million units.”
The QI charging system is a standard that is implemented by the Wireless Power Consortium and means that the charging systems and docks will be open access and can be used by all QI supporting devices as a standard. SO if you have a Galaxy S4 with the Wireless charging back and you are around a friend’s house with the Lumia 920 you can use their charging pad just by placing the handset on the pad.
Wireless charging is definitely one of the last bastions of the old tech world and with one system now being taken on byu the big manufacturers hopefully we can see away with our long standing love affair with plugging in deviecs and let tehm truly be wireless devices.
There is no official release date, pricing or item specifications about the Wireless charging system for the Galaxy S4 but we will keep you posted when a product and information becomes available.
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New Samsung Galaxy S4 Features Qi Wireless Charging
Rapidly Expanding Qi Ecosystem Now Includes Compatible Phones from Samsung, Nokia, LG, HTC, Panasonic, Sony, Motorola, Sharp, Fujitsu, NEC, and Pantech
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The new Samsung Galaxy S4 uses the Qi wireless charging standard in its optional back battery cover and wireless charging pad accessories, as demonstrated at Samsung Unpacked 2013. The accessories are fully compatible with all Qi chargers and Qi-compatible phones. The announcement further solidifies Qi as the mobile industry’s choice for fully compatible wireless charging.
Qi is backed by more than 130 leading companies of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) like Blackberry, ConvenientPower, Delphi Automotive Systems, Energizer, Haier Group, Hitachi Maxell HTC, Huawei, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic, Philips Electronics, Samsung, Sony, TDK Corporation, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, and Verizon Wireless.
Qi cuts the last remaining cord in consumer electronics – the charging cord. Any Qi-certified device wirelessly charges using any Qi-compatible charger, regardless of brand. It’s easy, you just set your Qi-supported device on any Qi charging spot and it instantly starts charging.
The Galaxy S4 is the latest addition to the rapidly expanding Qi ecosystem of mobile devices, charging accessories, charging locations, and consumer electronics with an installed base of more than 15 million units. Recently, McDonald’s began testing wireless charging with Qi-embedded tables in some of its European locations. In addition, Toyota announced that the 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited includes integrated Qi charging in the center console. The universe of Qi products includes over 170 products and Qi is the only wireless power solution directly integrated into flagship smartphones and automobiles.
Qi is an open, fully flexible standard capable of evolving its technology and features to offer the best user experience while maintaining compatibility products that have the Qi logo. It offers the widest range of features to optimize user convenience and product choices: support for both inductive and resonant charging, spatial freedom, and intelligent power management.
For more information, visit: www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com
About Qi and the Wireless Power Consortium
Established in December 2008, the Wireless Power Consortium’s mission is to establish Qi as the global standard for wirelessly charging electronic products. The more than 130 members of WPC include industry leaders in mobile phones, consumer electronics, batteries, semiconductors, components, wireless power technology and infrastructure such as wireless operators, furniture and automotive parts companies. Qi products are available in the United States, Asia Pacific, and Europe.
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