While the existing Qi technology based wireless charging of mobile devices itself is yet to gain widespread usage across markets, the Korean giant Samsung may be working on an even more sophisticated over-the-air wireless charging technology. What’s more, Samsung appears to be holding the patent for this technology as well, if the report of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is to be believed.
The major difference between the over-the-air or OTA wireless charging technology being patented by Samsung and the one already in use, is that the device being charged need not come into physical contact with the charger. In the method used now, one has to place the device on the charging pad but no wires need to be connected. In the OTA technology, even this can be done away with.
You can just keep your phone in your pocket or in your hand and if you are within the range of the charger, it will automatically start charging. It is also being indicated that the range possessed by the OTA charging source is also wider than what the Qi technology can offer. If the device is inside a room in which the charger is placed and is powered on, it can start charging, even if the device in inside your pocket.
However, the OTA wireless charging technology may not enter the commercial world anytime soon. Experts believe it may take a few years before the technology is perfected, tested and launched for regular use. It is also learnt that besides Samsung, there are other companies also working on the OTA wireless charging technology and one of those companies is Disney.
As far as this particular type of technology is concerned, Samsung definitely has the lead and will try and exploit it to the full while launching its smartphones and tablets enabled with this capability.