By Ahead of Samsung’s official Galaxy S4 unveiling in New York City last week, rumors said the device would be coming with wireless charging capabilities. Samsung didn’t touch on that much at the time of its announcement, but Qi took it upon itself to inform the world that its wireless charging technology was supported in the Samsung Galaxy S4.
Said functionality won’t be included in the box, unfortunately, but there will be compatible back plates users can buy in order to add it. There are no pricing details just yet, but we’ll be looking to get those details for you in due time.
With Qi, users can choose between a myriad of different Qi-enabled charging pads from a a wide variety of manufacturers. It’ll be up to you to decide which specific combination you go with, and that’s the way it should be. We like it, and there’s no reason for you not to either. Read on for full press details.
New Samsung Galaxy S4 Features Qi Wireless Charging
Rapidly Expanding Qi Ecosystem Now Includes Compatible Phones from Samsung, Nokia, LG, HTC, Panasonic, Sony, Motorola, Sharp, Fujitsu, NEC, and Pantech
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The new Samsung Galaxy S4 uses the Qi wireless charging standard in its optional back battery cover and wireless charging pad accessories, as demonstrated at Samsung Unpacked 2013. The accessories are fully compatible with all Qi chargers and Qi-compatible phones. The announcement further solidifies Qi as the mobile industry’s choice for fully compatible wireless charging.
Qi is backed by more than 130 leading companies of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) like Blackberry, ConvenientPower, Delphi Automotive Systems, Energizer, Haier Group, Hitachi Maxell HTC, Huawei, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic, Philips Electronics, Samsung, Sony, TDK Corporation, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, and Verizon Wireless.
Qi cuts the last remaining cord in consumer electronics – the charging cord. Any Qi-certified device wirelessly charges using any Qi-compatible charger, regardless of brand. It’s easy, you just set your Qi-supported device on any Qi charging spot and it instantly starts charging.
The Galaxy S4 is the latest addition to the rapidly expanding Qi ecosystem of mobile devices, charging accessories, charging locations, and consumer electronics with an installed base of more than 15 million units. Recently, McDonald’s began testing wireless charging with Qi-embedded tables in some of its European locations. In addition, Toyota announced that the 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited includes integrated Qi charging in the center console. The universe of Qi products includes over 170 products and Qi is the only wireless power solution directly integrated into flagship smartphones and automobiles.
Qi is an open, fully flexible standard capable of evolving its technology and features to offer the best user experience while maintaining compatibility products that have the Qi logo. It offers the widest range of features to optimize user convenience and product choices: support for both inductive and resonant charging, spatial freedom, and intelligent power management.
For more information, visit: www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com
About Qi and the Wireless Power Consortium
Established in December 2008, the Wireless Power Consortium’s mission is to establish Qi as the global standard for wirelessly charging electronic products. The more than 130 members of WPC include industry leaders in mobile phones, consumer electronics, batteries, semiconductors, components, wireless power technology and infrastructure such as wireless operators, furniture and automotive parts companies. Qi products are available in the United States, Asia Pacific, and Europe.
they should push for this to be a standard. wireless charging FTW
facepalm, Qi is a standard. Now industry wide adoption is another thing, cant wait for Samsung to mess it up like it did to MHL, with a proprietary MHL adapter for the S3.
Should be included standard, wonder if verizon will cover the connectors on this too like the note 2
This is a luxury I haven’t tried yet on phones, so I’m not entirely sure. The main thing I want is will the device that charges my phone have it’s own battery. Like will it still need to stay plugged in to charge the phone? If so, the purpose is still being defeated. You still will need an outlet to charge your phone.
well if it had its own battery… that battery would need to be charged… and the advantage of the wireless charger is that you dont need to keep unplugging and plugging in your phone to the charger, the wireless charger is always plugged in so you just have to throw it on the pad and let it charge. also no risk of braking the usb port on the phone
Don’t hold your breath, they did the GS3 wasn’t going to come with wireless charging in the box, but that a backplane and mat would be available within a quarter of launch. Been more that that, and still no official wireless charging solution.
So does it work with the Nexus Charging Orb? I really like the Orb, I have it set to go into a Clock mode when it detects the phone charging. The only problem is that when it gets to much dust, it doesn’t charge well and has to be wiped clean (first world problems).
It should because the Orb is Qi standard.
I still find it crazy that after almost one year of little or no commenting, I still have the second most comments on Phandroid.
Err. How do you know that? Are there stats somewhere?
Check out the pic that I attached. Your in 10th. This is only from like late 2011 and up, I have been commenting a lot since 2008.
Neato! I’m number 12!
Thanks. I’ve never bothered clicking that ‘community’ button until today. :)
YUSSS wireless charging baby!! although portable charging is ideally my most preferred way of charging things, ie. portable battery packs (screw wall outlets & wires) http://www.newtrent.com/
Im all for it.