WIRELESS CHARGER

SAMSUNG WIRELESS CHARGER

LG WIRELESS CHARGER

NEXUS WIRELESS CHARGER

IPHONE WIRELESS CHARGER

IQI  WIRELESS CHARGER

WIRELESS CHARGING

Wireless Charging provides a convenient, safe, and reliable way to charge and power millions of electrical devices at home, in the workplace and in industry. By eliminating the use of physical connectors and cables, wireless charging provides a number of efficiency, cost and safety advantages over the traditional charging cable. From smartphones, to hand-held industrial devices and heavy-duty equipment applications, wireless power maintains safe, continuous, and reliable transfer of power to ensure all varieties of devices and equipment are charged and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

WHAT IS WIRELESS CHARGING?

Essentially wireless charging (a.k.a wireless power transfer) uses electromagnetic fields to safely transfer power from a transmitting source to a receiving device for the purposes of charging (or recharging) a battery.  And as the name suggests, it does so without the use of a physical connection.

HOW DOES WIRELESS CHARGING WORK?

Wireless charging is based on the principle of magnetic resonance, or Inductive Power Transfer (IPT).  This is the process of transferring an electrical current between two objects through the use of coils to induce an electromagnetic field.

WHAT IS ‘RESONANT’ WIRELESS CHARGING?

You will often hear people talk about inductive and resonant technology in regards to wireless power.  From a technical point of view, they are essentially one in the same.  Inductive power transfer (as the overriding principle) uses resonance in order to achieve coupling of the transmitter and recover coil  – achieved when the transmitter and receiver coils both oscillate – or ‘resonate’ – at the same frequency.  This resonant frequency refers to the frequency at which an object naturally vibrates or rings. This is most commonly seen in the way a tuning fork can cause another to vibrate when both are tuned to the same pitch.

However in recent times, the term ‘resonant’ has taken on a slightly different meaning.  What is now commonly referred to as Resonant wireless charging, is seen as an advancement on inductive capabilities in that it allows a number of advantages in relation to performance and convenience.

Some of the key advantages include:

• Greater spatial freedom:  This refers to the ability to achieve coupling/power transfer with greater mis-alignment for the receiver and transmitter coil along the x, y and z axis.  In a real-life scenario, this means not having to precisely align your smartphone or device on top of the transmitter in order for it to begin charging.
• Charging multiple devices simultaneously: Resonance promises the ability to charging more than one device at a time.  How this is achieved from a technical point of view will depend on the coil geometry of the respective system, but nonetheless it provides an added convenience for larger transmitter surfaces such as table tops or work benches.
• Charging speeds:  Charging speeds for devices will continue to be a major factor in the adoption of wireless charging.  Current inductive charging solutions produce slower charge times compared to a wired charger.  In the future, resonant promises improved efficiency for power transfer between the transmitter and receiver coils, which in turn increase the rate at which power is delivered to the battery for re-charging.

For a more in-depth look into the advantages of resonant wireless charging and a discussion on the current options being developed in the marketplace – check out our blog from 2015: What’s the big deal about Resonant?

THE FUTURE OF WIRELESS CHARGING

No matter the device, industry, or application, the removal of the physical connection required for powering or charging devices delivers a number of benefits over traditional cable connectors – some of which aren’t immediately obvious.

Perhaps the most well known application of wireless charging is for smartphones.

In recent years, the number of phone manufacturers who have offered wireless charging capabilities have steadily grown, and for even those brands which do not have wireless charging functionality, you can acquire a myriad of external charging cases and sleeves which can enable wireless charging of these devices.

The current technology enables consistent, safe charging of single devices when placed accurately on a charging pad – characteristic of inductive charging systems.  The leading standard worldwide for this technology is Qi, which is developed by the Wireless Power Consortium and is used by over 900 products worldwide.

As advancements continue to be made, wireless charging will likely become more ubiquitous and convenient.  The development of resonant capabilities will continue to increase the appeal of wireless charging for consumers, while integrated transmitters into tables and bench tops will make it easier than ever to recharge our phones.

PowerbyProxi doesn’t manufacture charging pads or integrated receiver solutions like sleeves and cases for public purchase.  Instead our focus is on developing the next generation of solutions for wireless charging for smartphones including greater capability for free placement of devices, foreign object detection and multi-device charging.

Customers have the opportunity to purchase our development kit and patent licenses to develop and manufacture their own product.  For more information, check out our Proxi-2D EVK page.

WIRELESS CHARGING FOR WEARABLES

There is no question that wearable technology is becoming increasingly integrated and available in our daily lives.

The size and form factor of such devices are integral to making them more ubiquitous and convenient from a consumer perspective.  At the same time, the miniaturised nature of wearables provide unique challenges around recharging and ensuring power is supplied in a manner that is equally as convenient as the device itself.

Wireless  power is potential solution for this problem by removing the requirement for cables and h being connected directly to the device itself.

PowerbyProxi began investigating several means to provide a convenient, cable free solution for recharging multiple wearable devices simultaneously as part of our Proxi-3D project – established within our Proxi Labs innovation centre.

WIRELESS CHARGING FOR AA BATTERY POWERED DEVICES

Millions of everyday electronic devices – including video game controllers, remotes, torches, toys etc, use AA batteries.  However whenever these batteries run out of charge, the means to replace or recharge them, isn’t exactly convenient.  Non-rechargeable batteries cost a lot to continually replace, and are a significant biological hazard when disposed of.  Rechargeable AA batteries however, can be time consuming and a hassle to recharge, while being that much more expensive.

Wireless power technology offers another solution through in-device charging, whereby AA batteries are fitted with a wireless receiver which can recharge the battery when placed inside a transmitter device.  The beauty of this solution is that the battery can be recharged without being removed from the device, so that it never needs to be replaced.  PowerbyProxi prototyped a solution for AA batteries as part of our Proxi Labs innovation centre which allowed for safe wireless charging of numerous types of devices using specially designed AA batteries.

WIRELESS CHARGING FOR COMMERCIAL  APPLICATIONS

The advantages of wireless charging is not only restricted to consumer device applications.  Wireless charging offers real benefits in terms of productivity, efficiency and safety for industrial applications  where cables and connectors can become unreliable, dangerous or incur high maintenance costs.

BENEFITS OF WIRELESS CHARGING:

• Reduced cost associated with maintaining mechanical connectors. For example: Slip Rings
• Safe powering or charging devices that need to remain sterile or hermetically sealed (waterproof)
• Prevent corrosion due to elements such as oxygen and water
• Eliminate sparks and debris associated with wired contacts

PowerbyProxi have been pioneering the application of inductive power for industrial applications since 2007. Enabling equipment suppliers to deliver mission-critical wireless power systems in wet, dirty and moving environments the world over.

With a range of wireless power transfer solutions for different power requirements, we are able to deliver unique advantages for the transmission of power for a range of applications, some of which are highlighted below:

MEDICAL DEVICES & EQUIPMENT

WIRELESS CHARGING OF MEDICAL DEVICES & EQUIPMENT

Wireless charging has a vital role to play in the future of medicine and medical care.

Nowadays, even the most basic of medical procedures requiresa range of advanced medical equipment. Equipment that’s powered largely via battery packs or mains power supplies.  Wireless power provides real benefit in such sterile and high traffic environments where traditional connectors become not only source of contamination, but are also a physical hazard as room configurations are constantly changing.

VEHICLES & TRANSPORT

WIRELESS CHARGING OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Wireless charging of electric vehicles continue to be one of the most researched  areas of wireless power transfer.  By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, electric vehicles provide a sustainable and environmentally safe means for fuelling our vehicles well into the future.

However  today’s electric cars are limited to an average travel distance of between just 10 and 40 miles before they require charging. Initiating a convoluted charging process that requires access to a charging point, charging cables, and a multiple-hour wait before the vehicle is sufficiently charged.

With the introduction of wireless charging, the charging experience is set to become a seamless one. Allowing for the convenient charging of electric cars whether parked or on the move.

It won’t be long before this dream becomes a reality. In fact, a number of car manufacturers are already putting test vehicles through their paces. Including the Formula E’s wirelessly chargeable safety car.

This inclusion of wireless charging capabilities won’t just drive an increased adoption of electric vehicles. It will also play a crucial role in supporting the environmental sustainability of future transport. Helping to rid the environment of harmful fossil fuels, cutting down on air pollution emissions and providing not just a more convenient future, but a healthier one too.

Wireless charging for electric vehicles could be carried out in a number of ways, including:

• Parking Spots & Charging Pads
  Like our smartphones and tablets, charging pads will provide one of the most convenient methods of charging electric vehicles. With these pads built into specially designed parking spots, you’ll be able to charge your car while you’re grabbing your shopping or catching a movie.
• Electrically Charged Highways Of The Future
  In time, you may not even need to stop to charge your electric car. Highway England is just one body currently testing the viability of charging lanes that charge vehicles while they’re driving. With the charging devices built into the very asphalt itself.

FAQ’S

IS THERE A WIRELESS CHARGING STANDARD?

An industry standard is required to ensure interoperability between transmitters and receivers made by different manufacturers. There are currently two key groups looking to put forward a specification for wireless charging: the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and the Airfuel Alliance.

Of these two, the Wireless Power Consortium is the leading standard for wireless charging through its Qi standard. Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) is the most widely used and commercially available wireless charging standard (used by over 200 companies). The Qi standard ensures that any device carrying its logo will work, in turn, with any charging surface that also carries the logo, regardless of brand or manufacturer.

This cross-compatibility allows manufacturers like PowerByProxi complete design freedom, as the Qi standard ensures that wireless charging interoperability is guaranteed from conception through to completion. This page on wireless power standards provides further information.

WHY DO WE NEED A STANDARD & WHAT WILL IT GOVERN?

Industry standards are crucial to ensuring interoperability between transmitters and receivers produced by different manufacturers. Once a specification emerges as the standard for the industry, then manufacturers have a blueprint from which to work to create wireless charging technology in the future, thus ensuring that no matter what the device, it can be charged on any charging pad or transmitter.

Samsung Galaxy S8

The Samsung Galaxy is a phone that's unlike anything you'll have seen on the market. It's just stunning.

It's incredibly expensive in a world where mid-range phones are more than good enough to handle most tasks people like... but the second you pick it up it's easy to see why.

See all Samsung Galaxy S8 deals (23 found)

The screen is just brilliant - the clearest, sharpest and offers lovely color reproduction to make movie watching a dream, and that's before you've even got to the fact it's wrapped into the chassis so hugely that it has a screen larger than the iPhone 7 Plus in a chassis that feels more like the iPhone 7.

The Galaxy S8 isn't perfect - in the search to squeeze the screen in so completely, other factors were overlooked: namely, the placement of the fingerprint reader. If you want this phone, you'll need to answer this question: are you OK using an iris scanner?

And if you're looking for something even bigger, and with a much-improved battery life to boot, then the Galaxy S8 Plus is easily the way to go - check out our review of that to see if that's the phone for you.

But the Galaxy S8 is firmly a phone that rises above those points to combine everything into a handset that really impresses in the hand, fitting seamlessly into day-to-day life (as long as you can get over the dizzying price).

Samsung Galaxy S8 price

• Between £40-£45 on contract, £689 SIM-free
• $30 to $31.25 on US carriers, $724.99 SIM-free
• AU$1200 to get the S8 SIM-free
• Ordering early can get you priority access and gifts

The Samsung Galaxy S8 isn’t the cheapest phone on the market by any stretch of the imagination; in fact, it’s one of the most expensive. You’re really paying for that screen.

In the UK, you’re going to be looking at between £40-£45 per month to get this phone without an upfront cost and with a few gigabytes of data, or you can purchase it SIM-free for a whopping £689.

In the US you're going to pay between  $30 to $31.25 a month for this phone with a 24-month contract through American carriers like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Their contract pricing isn't cheap.

For $724.99, there will be an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S8 in the US that's now available for pre-order from Samsung and set to deliver (in black) on May 31. If you want to go SIM-free right away or want any other unlocked color, you'll have to pay off one of the carriers first.

In Australia, you’re looking at a shade under AU$1,200 to get your hands on this phone. 

The slightly good news is that you’re at least getting a 64GB version of this phone in all territories; the presence of a microSD slot means Samsung won’t be launching multiple variants of the phone in different regions, instead offering a decent amount of storage as standard and giving users the option to add to that if they so wish.

Samsung Galaxy S8 release date

The Galaxy S8 launch is being staggered around the world, with the US getting its hands on the phone on April 21. 

Officially the UK and Australia will get the S8 from April 28, but multiple retailers are offering pre-order deals that will enable you to get it from April 20 (with some throwing in gifts such as a free Gear VR) so check your local retailer to see what’s happening there.

We spent a week thoroughly testing the new Samsung Galaxy S8 - watch our video below to see how we got on.

Not seeing eye to eye

• Biometrics add time to unlocking the phone
• Fingerprint scanner in a poor place
• Facial recognition infuriating

Right, let’s get down to business – and we’ll start with the thing that’s concerning us most about the Galaxy S8.

The main issue we have with this phone centers around how you’ll get into it – most smartphones users now expect to use a fingerprint to unlock their device, making it secure and meaning you don’t have to peck in your PIN a billion times a day. 

It’s a good idea, it’s safe enough for most people, and it just works – we’re all in agreement there.

With the Galaxy S6, Samsung got biometric unlocking right, but annoyingly with the Galaxy S8 things have become difficult and confusing.

You can unlock this phone with your face, a fingerprint or an iris scan, in increasing order of security level, making the S8 one of the most secure phones around (assuming nobody knows your PIN, of course, which is the backup method of entry).

Android N : Google's 2016 Update

Android N Update: New Features & Tweaks For Google's 2016 Update

The next version of Android -- Android N -- is now available as a developer preview. Here's everything you need to know

Google seems to like naming its Android OSes after candy (Android L was “Lollipop” Android M was “Marshmallow”) so what could Android N possible stand for? Many have suggested Nougat or Nectar, even Naan Bread (which, while it has sweet varieties, isn’t likely).

However, Google might not limit N to generics. After all, Android 4.0 was called Kit Kat (a Nestle brand). I’m really hoping they go down the brand name route for Android N. Top of my list is Nutella, but if they want to get really crazy NutRageous would be the best name ever. And what if they did another brand crossover with Nestle? Each subsequent point release of Android 7.x could be code named “Nestle Crunch,” “Nestle Butterfingers”, “Nestle BabyRuth.”

Google is also asking Android fans for name ideas, which you’ve probably already seen on Facebook or Twitter. I have a few ideas of my own, but none are suitable for publishing here. One thing I hope Google does not do is name it after Kim and Kayne’s baby, which in case you didn’t know, is called North West. Guess neither of them has been to Stoke on Trent.

The possibilities are endless really.

Google I/O 2016 Reveals New Android N Features

Google I/O has kicked off as of May 18 and so far Google hasn't given Android N its confectionary name yet, but has commented that the response to the developer preview has been "overwhelming". Google has detailed the update's "late summer" release date as well as a few of other features it is now prepared to reveal. One of the BIG features Google was keen to reveal on day one is related to the platform's performance, with the big G saying it has improved this on two fronts; runtime and graphics.

Google also let slip that it is now building its own chipsets. Called the Tensor Processing Unit, the chipset is what’s powering The Big G’s Assistant AI platform. This is kind of a big deal because it puts Google in direct competition with the likes of NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Intel. Whether these chipsets will come to mobiles in the future remains to be seen, but starting to build your own SoC isn’t exactly cheap, nor is it an endeavour one takes on for just a single product.

Perhaps this is why Google only mentioned it in passing; maybe it didn’t want to upset its long-standing chip-making partners. Qualcomm invests billions in R&D every year and is involved in a fiercely competitive space with the likes of Samsung, Intel and NVIDIA. The addition to Google likely wouldn’t be seen as welcome news given the company’s financial size and influence.

The graphics and runtime side of things is down to the new Vulkan API, essentially offering an extensive series of optimisation tweaks so that devs can squeeze better graphics out of current and forthcoming hardware AND it'll run more efficiently too thanks to a new graphics compiler that is claimed to be 75% speedier than the previous architecture. Google also says these tweaks will mean applications will be smaller in terms of storage space than before, so you'll get more apps into your device!

The Vulkan API is also cross-platform and scalable, while the benefts are obivous to mobile, an Nvidia demo showcased the API running the new Doom game on a desktop machine.

Always a focal point of Android is the multitasking, and Google has tweaked things a little further for the new build - the multitasking hub will now show you only the last seven apps you've used rather than every single one, plus there's now a "clear all" option. As detailed previously, Android N features split-screen multitasking with application windows. We don't yet know the details for phones, but tablets will allow you to have two applications dividing the display in half, or run a smaller window in the corner of a larger full-screen application, say a YouTube video in the corner of your web browser, for example. Messages in your notifications menu will now allow a quick-reply option.

An of course VR is a BIG deal this year. Google announced its VR scheme called "Daydream" and Android will be involved with its own VR mode, and Google is providing OEMs with a required spec sheet if they want to be able to run Daydream - the "Daydream Ready" spec.

Android N: Release date

While the name might be harder to guess, the first preview of Android N is easier to surmise. The next Android OS will almost certainly be previewed at this year’s Google I/O, which takes place from May 18-20 2016. Google will also almost certainly release a developer preview that day.

As for a public release date, expect to be downloading it for certain phones come October. There’s a few reasons for this. First, Marshmallow appeared during the same timeframe last fall. Second, an OS update spurs sales of new devices—important for the holiday shopping season. Third, Apple will be releasing iOS 10 around the same time (probably in September), which will mean Android devices will need some new features to tout.

Android N: Which phones will be the first to get it?

Of course, just because Android N gets a public release in October doesn’t mean all phones will have access to it right away. It’s almost certain that Google will release a new Nexus flagship phone around the time that will ship with Android N preinstalled. Older Nexus phones should get an Android N downloadable update shortly after that. As for other major flagship phones from the likes of Samsung, LG, and HTC? Expect an Android N update for some of those devices before Christmas, with virtually all of them getting the new OS by early 2017.

Android N: Will it merge with Chrome OS?

Probably not. An Android/Chrome OS merger will instead probably happen the next year with Android O. For those of you who don’t know about this, back in October the Wall Street Journal revealed that Google is set to merge the two operating systems by 2017. As the WSJ reported: “Alphabet Inc. ’s Google plans to fold its Chrome operating system for personal computers into its Android mobile operating system, according to people familiar with the matter, a sign of the growing dominance of mobile computing. Google engineers have been working for roughly two years to combine the operating systems and have made progress recently, two of the people said. The company plans to unveil its new, single operating system in 2017, but expects to show off an early version next year, one of the people said.”

No one knows what a merged Android/Chrome OS will look like, but it will probably retain the look and feel of Android, while also being capable as being run as a full desktop OS on PCs. However, don’t expect that ability in Android N.

Android N Developer Preview: New Features & Tweaks

Android N is now available as a preview to developers, as well as those with compatible Nexus and Sony handsets. We’ve had a play around with the software on our Nexus. This isn’t the final software, however, and there will likely be a bunch of new features in the final build that didn’t make it into the developer preview — you want SOME surprises, after all.

So what’s new inside this developer preview? Quite a bit as it goes.

Folders

Folders have been completely redesigned. They look a lot smarter on the homescreen and also give a better indication of what’s contained inside them, especially if you limit the number of applications you put in there to four.

Google Camera App

This isn’t technically an Android N exclusive, as it is now freely available inside the Google Play store. Google has made a few visual design changes to the layout and moved a few of the buttons and/or features around. The slow-motion button, for example, is now available from a slide-in menu which you access on the camera app’s main screen.

You can now also capture images while filming video; again, not a new feature by any stretch of the imagination, but a useful one nevertheless.

Launcher Shortcuts

Android N will feature baked-in support for 3D Touch-like display technology, whereby you hard-press on an application icon for sub-menus and quick actions within it. This feature is already present on some Android phones in a proprietary implementation. Hardwired into Android’s source code though means all of Google’s hardware partners can implement in on their hardware, bringing support for all third party applications in time, not just bloatware ones placed on the phone by the manufacturer.

Nevertheless, ahead of this Google has made some other changes to Android N’s launcher — changes that ALL Android N handsets will experience. Inside the Android N preview you can assign shortcuts to applications, so, in messaging, for instance, you could assign “compose message” as one of the shortcuts in order to save you actually going into the app to compose a message.

Multi-Window Support

Like Samsung handsets before it, Android N will FINALLY support multi-window applications. Google has taken its time introducing this feature to Android. This is likely down to the fact that such a feature only really works on phones with displays of a certain size; it’d be pointless on a 4in phone, for instance.

Google’s implementation is very smooth as well; it works like a charm, even in this developer preview. Operating this new feature is easy as pie as well: hold the Overview (square button) to activate Multi-window mode with the primary app you want to have open. The screen splits in half and the other half displays a rotating carousel of recent apps. You then select the secondary app you want to use, which fills the remaining half of the screen.

Or — from the homescreen: tap the overview button to bring up the recent apps carousel as usual, then, tap and drag one of the cards over to the edge of the screen to put it into Multi-window mode. Simples.

Notifications & Quick Toggles

Google’s constantly tweaking and refining Android’s notifications menu — and always in a positive, forward-looking manner. This trend continues inside Android N, but it also applies to Quick Toggles as well now as the Big G has added in support to edit what settings appear in this secondary menu, so you can add in bespoke toggles for things like Hotspot, Data Saving or display settings.

With notifications in Android N, Google has made it so similar notifications can be bundled together — messages, for instance. These bundled notifications can be expanded with a two-finger swipe. The notifications themselves are richer also, with more details available at a glance — all good things.

Plus the ability to reply to messages and IM via notifications menu appears to have gone system wide and now includes support for ALL messaging and IM applications — WhatsApp included. How it works is simple too: reply option appears below the notification and tapping it turns it into a text field. That’s literally it.

Below is EVERYTHING else you need to know about Android N. 

Sony Xperia Z3 Gets Android N Developer Preview Update

Sony has now followed Google's example in making the Android N Developer Preview available on one of its handsets, specifically the Xperia Z3. Google already made the update available for the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Pixel C and Nexus Player, but now the Xperia Z3 is also getting in on the action. Xperia Z3 units designated as D6603 or D6653 models can now gain quick and easy access to all the in-development features, including split-screen applications, advanced Doze battery saving capabilities, and an enhanced interface. You can check the model number by going to Settings>About Phone, although to be brutally honest if you didn't at least know that already you probably shouldn't be flashing your smartphone and installing an incomplete developer preview! This is all at your own risk, as usual!

Bear in mind this will be Google's vanilla flavour of Android so the Xperia launcher interface will disappear (not that this is a bad thing, in our view). Here's the word straight from Sony on how to install the update:

• Connect your compatible Z3 device to a computer with a USB cable.
• Xperia Companion will open automatically
• Make sure you have Xperia Companion version 1.1.24 or later. If not, download the latest version from here.
• Hold down the ALT key on your computer and click on Software repair on the home screen, then follow the guide.
• You’ll be asked to disconnect and turn off your device, then to reconnect whilst holding down the volume down key to start the software flashing.
• You can return to factory settings at any time by connecting back to Xperia Companion and following the Software repair

Android N To Natively Support Pressure Sensitive "3D Touch"?

According to a report out of China, specifically from an alleged insider tipster commenting on the HTC-made Nexus 2016 handset, Android N will have built-in support for pressure sensitive touch displays similar to the iPhone 6s 3D Touch display.

If you're not familiar, the 3D Touch aboard the iPhone 6s can detect different types of pressure input and allow them to perform different functions on the phone, for example, a harder press can bring up a different menu from a quicker, lighter tap.

It seems, at least according to the tipster, that Google wants HTC to put this display tech aboard the next Nexus phone, but is also going as far as hardwiring it into the next Android build, meaning that just as with biometric security and battery saving features inside Android M, it'll be a feature other manufacturers building Android phones can tap into.

Google Prepping “Nexus VR” Headset 

The launch of Android N at this year’s Google I/O expo could be sweetened with the release of a more advanced version of Google Cardboard, the Big G’s first attempt at a cheap, VR headset. And by more advanced, we mean something similar to Oculus Rift or Sony’s PlayStation VR — so, an all in one unit capable of linking up with any Android phone. 

The news comes from The FT, which claims Google is working on a VR product similar to Samsung’s Gear VR headset. The device would be made of plastic apparently and support all types of Android phones, unlike Samsung’s. It will also feature “better sensors” and “lenses,” though the connected phone will deliver “most of its processing power.”

All in all it should be a very exciting expo. But for most people it will be Android N that is the star of the show. Here’s everything you can expect to see inside the next Android OS.