I have just recently upgraded my phone to one that supports wireless charging and was excited to try it for the first time. I was going to purchase a five watt wireless charger until I came across a press release from Freescale Semiconductor about their 15 watt wireless charging solution. Their design will support faster, more efficient wireless charging for tablets, larger phones, and handheld medical devices. “For example, a typical tablet with a 4000 mAh battery might take over eight hours to charge from a standard USB port, while Freescale’s solution could reduce this charge time dramatically to just a few hours.” It will support major industry standards like the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC – Qi standard) and the Power Matters Alliance (PMA). The new charging technology will be available to manufacturers in the first quarter of 2015. For more detailed information, visit www.freescale.com.
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The whole claim of “over eight hours” hinges on that sneaky wording of “standard USB port”, which while true, does not apply to most situations anymore. Most USB charge ports, in cars or computers, support higher currents at this point of time and with things like QuickCharge or USB Power Delivery, MUCH higher currents. Apple is at >12W right now which already makes it higher power than wireless charging 15W due to less losses and fast charge solutions out there are even higher power.
I love the idea of wireless charging and intend to get my phone set for it, but this marketing slime is ridiculous.
I think you might be missing the point. This is about the upcoming 15 watt wireless chargers that will be sold soon which is a huge upgrade from the 5 watt wireless chargers currently available.
I am not at all missing the point. The press release, and your quote, are “For example, a typical tablet with a 4000 mAh battery might take over eight hours to charge from a standard USB port”. That’s a comparison to USB power, not previous 5W power standard. That’s a marketing sleight of hand to show this solution for much more than what it is.