In its quest for constant reinvention, technology never ceases to amaze. Screens are becoming thinner and gaining in resolution, batteries are charging more and more quick and wireless technologies are becoming widespread. At this rate, the tangled cables behind and under the furniture in the house will soon disappear. Moreover, the imminent marketing of a first wireless charging technology for smart home objects clearly suggests this possibility.
Wireless charging is a technology that has been made available to home users over the past decade. Very soon, this technology will be extended to smart objects used in modern homes. Will charging cables soon be history? Zoom in on the details.
Wireless charging for mobile devices
After the generalization of wireless in-ear headphones, it’s the turn of wireless charging technology to spread like wildfire. For the time being, this solution, which makes it possible to dispense with the use of a charging cable, is limited mobile devices for individuals. Moreover, this technology is only qualified as “wireless” only because it does not require the connection of a cable between the mobile device and the electrical outlet. Recharging is provided by a charging station using Qi technology and requiring the device to be placed on the charging surface to receive energy by induction. The charging station itself is linked to an electrical outlet by…a power cable !
The arrival of wireless charging in homes
Tech players are looking to expand the use of wireless charging technology to other everyday devices. While wireless technology is already well underway, including wireless hair straighteners and wireless vacuum cleaners, charging “wireless” at home is still in its infancy. Realizing this vision would, among other things, reduce the number of power cables in the home. However, not all home devices will switch to wireless charging overnight. A first solution proposed by the Israeli company Wi-Charge and the Californian box Belkin initially targets small objects connected to the home.
No need for a charging station
Current wireless charging, intended for the latest generation smartphones such as the Apple iPhone 12, is “wireless” only halfway. It poses the constraint of having to place the device on the charging station to benefit from it, an obstacle that the Wi-Charge company intends to eliminate. Indeed, the wireless charging developed for smart home objects is done remotely using infrared technology. The transmitters, plugged directly into an electrical outlet, recharge compatible devices placed within a radius of 10 meters. Recharging is nevertheless limited to a power of 1 Watt, insofar as the targeted connected objects are constantly on standby. This technology is scheduled for commercialization to the general public in 2023.
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