If you’ve been following the recent news from Berlin, you’re likely aware of the growing presence of Qi2 in the world of gadget announcements. Anker and Mophie have both unveiled products that adopt this new standard, sparking curiosity about what Qi2 entails. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Qi2, its improvements over the original Qi standard, and why it’s set to revolutionize wireless charging.
The Origins of Qi
For those unfamiliar with the term, Qi is a ubiquitous wireless charging standard that has been around since Obama’s first year in office. The first generation of Qi (now referred to as Qi1) was introduced by Nokia for its Lumia 920 series, followed closely by Samsung’s adoption on the Galaxy S3. Apple eventually joined the party by incorporating Qi into the iPhone 8.
The Rise of Qi
Fifteen years after its debut, Qi has become an essential feature in both devices and accessories. According to the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), over 9,000 Qi Certified products are currently available for purchase. This widespread adoption is a testament to the standard’s success and dominance.
What’s New with Qi2?
The WPC has announced that Qi2 will arrive in Q4, first as a feature in third-party accessories. The most significant upgrade for users is the introduction of the ‘Magnetic Power Profile.’ This means manufacturers must include magnetic locking mechanisms to be certified. In essence, this addition enables devices and chargers to snap into place, eliminating the need for precise alignment.
Improved Efficiency
The WPC boasts that Qi2 will offer improved power efficiency, reducing the amount of energy lost during the charging process. While this is a welcome improvement, it’s essential to remember that most users will benefit more from the Magnetic Power Profile than increased efficiency.
The Rise of MagSafe-like Features
Think back to Apple’s MagSafe on the iPhone 12 series. Expect Android handsets to follow suit in the coming years, adopting similar magnetic attachment features. With Qi2, we can anticipate a proliferation of MagSafe-like designs across various devices and accessories.
What Does This Mean for You?
The WPC has outlined the benefits of Qi2, including:
- Faster Wireless Charging: Qi2 enables faster charging speeds while maintaining safety and minimizing battery life degradation.
- New Product Innovation: The magnetic locking feature will support innovative product form factors, such as AR/VR headsets.
- Backward Compatibility: Qi2 devices will be compatible with Qi1 chargers, ensuring a seamless transition for users.
Industry Players Lining Up
The Wireless Power Consortium boasts an impressive list of 344 member companies, including Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Qualcomm, Google, and Microsoft. This widespread support ensures that Qi2 will roll out quickly across the industry.
Conclusion
Qi2 is more than a simple upgrade to the original Qi standard; it represents a significant leap forward in wireless charging technology. With its improved efficiency, magnetic attachment features, and backward compatibility, Qi2 is poised to revolutionize the way we charge our devices. Whether you’re an Android or Apple user, Qi2 is set to make wireless charging more convenient and efficient than ever before.
Related Content
- The Future of Wireless Charging: How Qi2 Will Change the Game
- Qi2: A New Era in Wireless Charging Efficiency
- Why Qi2 is a Game-Changer for Android Devices
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