Next Big Thing: The Future Of Inductive Charging Capable Devices

Gadgets  

Wireless, or inductive, charging is becoming increasingly popular in devices like smart phones and tablets. The technology makes recharging your phone as seamless as putting it down.

With technology playing such an important part of our daily lives, it is becoming more vital that we be able to conveniently charge our electronic devices. From wall plugs, to portable chargers there are ample way to do this. Inductive charging is becoming increasingly popular for many reasons.

Micro USB Is Outdated

Despite the fact that many companies have adopted the Micro USB plug as standard, this is not universal, nor is it optimal. While the Micro USB plug is certainly better than the plethora of proprietary plugs it replaced, it is very limited in the number of amperes it can deliver per hour, as well as the fact that the plugs are notorious for wearing quickly. Micro USB was never really intended for heavy, daily use, and the engineering shortcomings of the technology are readily apparent to anyone who finds the plug regularly falling out of their phone.

Ditching the Plug

Fortunately, inductive charging removes the need for the plug entirely and even enables multiple makes, models, and designs to be charged without the need for different plugs. Inductive charging works not by making actual contact with the battery through a charging port, but by using an electromagnetic field which passes through the device. This enables the battery to be charged with no contact whatsoever. Originally it was developed for the charging of devices which needed to remain sealed at all time. Advances in technology make it both less expensive and more able to work with devices not specifically designed for inductive charging.

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Innovation In Many Hands

Many companies have jumped in to implement inductive charging in modern devices. The newness of the technology has left the arena open for third-party companies willing to take the time to overcome the limitations as they now exist. For example, inductive charging requires the phone and charger to be very close together, ideally physically touching each other. A standard flat plate would thus prevent the user from using your phone while it is charging. Some technology companies, like TYLT, have solved this problem by integrating the inductive plate into a moveable stand. Other companies are working to produce less expensive inductive chargers or even develop universal ones.

An Inductive Future

At this time, special chips, batteries or other adapters are needed for most inductive devices. However, companies are increasingly coming to rely on inductive charging, since it offers many advantages over traditional plugs and eliminates several engineering headaches. Advances in the technology are expected to increase the charging speed, increase the distance between the charger and the phone, and help make the technology integrate into more devices. This should open up even more innovation by third parties, as well as improve phone longevity and open up new options for designs.

Outdated chargers and inconvenience have quickly made inductive charging the next big thing. Technology is constantly changing, which has us asking what could the future of inductive charging be?

By  Emma Sturgis	Embed
Emma is a freelance writer currently living in Boston. When not writing, she enjoys baking and indoor rock climbing. Find her on Google +