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Wireless Charging

Ed's favourite things - Best Qi wireless charger

GeneralEdward Kiledjian
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This is not a sponsored post, and links are not affiliated links. 

Most moderately priced (or higher) smartphones now come with wireless charging, which means it is a little luxury you can easily add to your everyday experience. 

When evaluating wireless Qi chargers, I only looked at the stand models because it allows you to use the device while it charges, and it makes finding the charging zone effortless. 

Over the years, I have tested hundreds of cables, chargers and wireless chargers and have concluded that Anker and Ravpower manufacture the most reliable units. After testing about 20 models available on Amazon, I wasn't surprised to find that the best units came from these two brands. 

The best wireless charger is the RAVPower Wireless Charging Stand (RP-PC069). The charge speed will depend on your smartphone (Androids will charge faster than iPhones), but the best in class wireless chargers perform 20-40% better than the cheaper competition. This unit delivers a constant 7.5 watts for iPhones and 10 watts for Android devices. 

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The RavPower is a complete kit that includes the charging cradle, charger cable and the wall adapter. The RavPower has 2 coils which means you can place you charge your phone horizontally (to play games while charging) or vertically (to check messages or video chat).

Unlike cheap Chinese competitors, the Anker and RavPower units are certified by the Qi Power Association, so you know it will not damage your expensive smartphone. 

Additionally, the best units have dim lights (that won't bother you during sleep), and they don't make unusual noises. 

Be aware these items regularly sell out so keep checking their availability.

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If the RavPower isn't available and you need to buy something immediately, you can pick up the Anker PowerWave Stand. Anker includes the cable (micro-USB) but not the wall charger. It will deliver 5 watts for most devices and 10 watts to Samsung devices when paired with a QC2/3 certified wall plug. Expect it to perform 30% slower than the RavPower for most phones.

Don’t forget you will need a wall plug for this unit. You probably have one, but it you don’t take a look at this Anker QC2 unit.

Smartphone charging pants

technologyEdward Kiledjian
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We live in a world that is repulsed by wires. We want everything wireless. Wireless headsets. Wireless networking. Wireless Qi based charging. Wireless, wireless, wireless.

Now the world is a slightly better place because we finally have wireless smartphone charging pants (or as they call them in Europe Trousers). These pants have 2,400mAh of smartphone life giving energy coupled with a DC-50 induction charging plate. 

Place a compatible phone in the pocket and voila. This is the brainchild of British designer Adrien Sauvage working in collaboration with Nokia. These pants will be available for sale on Amazon for only $US350.

The one downside is that this adds one more thing to your list to charge. Somehow charging my pants just doesn't seem right.

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Source: Nokia 

Starbucks and Duracell to offer wireless charging

technologyEdward Kiledjian
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Starbucks and Duracell are partnering up for a nationwide rollout of wireless charging tables at select Starbucks locations (US only). Startbucks is providing the table and power while Duracell is providing their Powermat technology. 

The dynamic duo is expected to install over 100,000 Duracell Powermats when everything is said and done.

You will be able to buy Powermat accessories at the participating Starbucks.

You can find participating locations on the Starbucks webpage (link).

 

Google Nexus Wireless Charger now available

technologyEdward Kiledjian

Google has finally released its Nexus branded Qi based wireless device charger (which ships on or around November 22). The charger is compatible with the Nexus 4, Nexus 5 and the Nexus 7 (2012 & 2013).

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Last year's wireless charger was this funky orb shaped half circle that was a pain to use. This years is a nice flat charger that makes sure the device stays put. The devices comes in a choice of colors: black, black or black.

It comes with built in magnets to ensure your phone or tablet stays in place/ All of this can be yours for only $49.99 (on the Canadian and US Play Stores). Link to store.

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