Wires used to get all our devices tangled up on our workspace when charging and even cause some to bend later making them defective. It is no doubt that wires will always be needed as sometimes, that physical connection is better suited for our needs than through Qi.
Qi (Qi is pronounced "chee”) is the global standard for wireless charging. It is the interface standard that defines wireless power transfer using inductive charging over distances of up to 4 cm. While the inner workings of wireless charging technology are quite complex, the basic concept is simple. In order to charge something wirelessly, you need to have two components called induction coils. Michael Faraday first introduced the concept of using electromagnetic induction in 1831 but Nikolas Tesla took this to a new level by experimenting with wireless transmissions of power with the goal of powering the world and providing communications free of wires.
These coils are loops of copper wire that are built into wireless charging stations and compatible phones. It has laid out the way for devices to communicate with charging stations to ensure safe and efficient charging.
Before, it was simply just plug in your wire and charge. However, we have all been through the stages where you have to place your wire in a particular angle to charge or, restricted to one side of your room due to the length of your wire which made it all that more inconvenient.
Since the Qi standard was authorised, technology companies have been quick to make a head start in issuing this chip standard in their devices due to the growing demand in users. As QI requires less components, companies were able to implement wireless charging at a cost-effective rate compared to wired charging. As wireless charging is more of a standard than a component, this means that you do not have to buy the same brand products to charge your devices wirelessly…they just do!
Using Qi wireless charging has helped users and companies to create a cleaner and more streamlined workflow. Wireless charging has also entered the car industry where we see more vehicles incorporating a wireless system to ease car journeys. Nowadays, more tech devices are becoming Qi compatible as this provides users with the option to experience wireless charging.
There are plenty of Qi wireless chargers available, in different sizes, shapes and colours. Nomad has produced a variety of products such as their Base Station Hubs and Base Station Max which are compatible with iPhones, Androids (Google and Samsung) and even tablets.
Their Base Stations with magnetic alignment provides another layer of connection to ensure your phone stays secure whilst charging. One of our favourites at Megamac is the Base One from Nomad.
This is available in carbide and silver so it fits very seamlessly into your Apple workstation. It can charge your iPhone at blistering speeds and is MagSafe compatible so your device is never left uncharged.
Satechi have also created a great range of Qi products for your car to aid with hands-free navigation whilst charging and great wireless portable chargers! Perfect if you don’t want to carry around a wire alongside your portable charger too.
Or, if you are interested in something that just works, the Native Union Snap Charger is perfect for just that single device for quick and easy charging.
Tech companies like Samsung have taken wireless charging to uncharted areas when introducing “PowerShare” in late 2021. This allows Samsung users on Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, Z Flip, Note10, Note10+, S10e, S10, S10+, and Fold to charge their wearable tech via their phone. No wires, no wireless device, just your phone. We hope that Apple will soon incorporate a feature like this to future devices; however, this may affect the sales of their other products linked to Qi.
What are some Qi devices you think could change the convenience of your day-to-day charging experience? Drop us a DM or Tweet us. You may be in for a chance to get a discount on some of our wireless chargers :)
