Tech companies like Apple, Samsung and LG aim to provide users with the perfect gadget. One technological development that is becoming popular is the wireless charging feature. But did you know that this tech is older than you think?
It all started when Michael Faraday discovered induction back in 1831. It works when an electrical current creates a magnetic field which then converts into voltage. Thus, creating the “wireless charging” concept. Some of you may ask, “Is it really convenient?” Below are some Pros and Cons of using the wireless charging technology.
What are the advantages of using wireless charging tech?
Each year, there are billions of disposable batteries that are created. These contribute toxic materials to landfills. Wireless charging emits less CO2 emissions compared to traditional batteries. This is because wireless charging pads do not use toxic materials and metals to be discarded and degraded into landfills. Additionally, having wireless power means people will more likely stop creating and manufacturing batteries that will greatly help in reducing lead and acid into soil to make it more beneficial to plants that gives off oxygen. Wireless charging not only helps in reducing wastes, it also helps in promoting healthy living environment for its users.
QI Standard and Convenience
There are numbers of emergent tech companies out there that developed Wireless Power Consortium, a cooperation of worldwide companies that aims to create a standard that will operate worldwide. “Qi” comes from the Chinese concept of energy flow. It was developed with the goal of having worldwide QI hotspots that aim to provide users with convenience when they charge their mobile devices. Another thing to consider is the cost. Every year, Battery manufacturers and companies are spending billions of dollars to create and market their batteries. By minimizing the use of traditional batteries, companies and users alike will be saving money. Lastly, wireless charging is more robust in terms of charging capabilities.
Things to Consider
Wireless Chargers need to be close enough, about a few inches away, to your gadgets or appliances to charge. Added the fact that you should not be using your phone while charging, it can be a nuisance to use. Fortunately, Strike offers a way to maximize the use of your cradle by holding your phone in place combined with hands-free solutions for your smartphone.
Another thing to consider is the energy loss in the transfer. According to a study, around 10%-15% of energy is lost when charging wirelessly, reducing the effectiveness of the charging process. As a result, it is not as efficient as direct contact chargers.
Lastly, manufacturers need high-grade copper materials for it to be conductive. Over time, copper degrades and lose its effectiveness. Now this may seem a lot to take in, but the overall concept, effects, and use are more than enough to beat all the negative consequences.
The Strike Alpha Cradle
With the recent release of iPhone 6 phone specific cradles, Strike also unveiled its newest addition to its massive range of phone specific cradles. Strike Alpha Cradles with wireless charging capabilities, saves you the time of cleaning up the messy wires. Since it uses hands-free Bluetooth technology, it allows users to maximize their cradles by being perfectly usable while charging. The wireless charging feature is currently available on selected phones such as Samsung Galaxy S5, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and LG G3.
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