Since its introduction at the iPhone 8/X launch event, the AirPower never made it to reality. After nearly two years in 2019, AirPower was canceled. Apple reasoned that the device was unable to meet its own quality standards. Since its inception, Apple takes quality and reliability very seriously for the best user experience (the Butterfly Keyboard being an exception!). Take a look at the canceled AirPower first and then let’s jump on to Xiaomi’s clone of the same.

The original Apple AirPower | Source: Apple

Xiaomi’s iteration of the demised Apple AirPower

Source: Xiaomi Source: Xiaomi Source: Xiaomi Source: Xiaomi

As you can see from the pictures above, Xiaomi’s Apple AirPower clone (the shape here is less-rounded though) can charge up to 3 devices at a time. As per Xiaomi, the wireless charger provides an output of 60W with up to 20W available for each device. There are 19 coils built into the wireless charger which allows devices to be charged by placing them anywhere on the pad. There is no need to adjust your devices unlike conventional wireless chargers out there. You’ll be able to charge any Qi-certified device (except the Apple Watch) by resting it on this pad.

Xiaomi claims to have worked for two years on this wireless charger and feels confident that they have been able to iron out the overheating issue. And yes, this was apparently the main reason why Apple shelved the AirPower. On that note, only time will tell how well Xiaomi’s new AirPower clone will fare for such a challenging piece of tech.

This multi-coiled Xiaomi wireless charging pad will set you back just $91, which is really impressive considering the capabilities on offer here.

The post Xiaomi did what Apple coudn’t: AirPower-like wireless charging pad appeared first on PhoneGlide.

Apple jumped to the wireless charging bandwagon, not too long ago in 2017 with the introduction of the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. Speaking of which, reverse wireless charging is going to be a first for Apple allowing other devices in the ecosystem to be charged seamlessly on the go.

As far as iPad is concerned especially the Pro lineup here, these changes are all welcomed considering their use case with regards to work, entertainment, and productivity in these tough times amid the pandemic. We feel these refinements should’ve made it to reality a couple of years ago to help keep things consistent between the iPhone and iPad range of devices. However, practically, we aren’t fans of wireless charging at all.

Anyways, let’s keep in mind that all of these aforementioned features are in the early stages of development, and things could change or get canceled altogether before launch, the report highlights.

The post Apple testing new iPad Pro with glass back and wireless charging appeared first on PhoneGlide.

However, when it comes to charging we are all accustomed to wired charging as usual, and as if that wasn’t convenient enough even though being fast, we saw the rise of wireless charging specifically the Qi (chee) wireless charging standard (every other wireless charger is based on this very standard today), not more than a decade ago.

Yes, the pucks and stands on which a smartphone is placed to sip up energy. Speaking of which, here’s why we think wireless charging technology is nothing more than just a gimmick. Then what about the convenience factor associated with it? We’ll get to that.

This one has to be the elephant in the room. The charging speed is super slow and that’s just an understatement. For instance, we used a 10W wireless charger to top up our iPhone SE (2020) and it took almost 4 hours to fully charge the battery (0% to 100%). For comparison’s sake, a 6.5W wired charger was brought to the scene, and it took about 2 hours to fill up the battery. However, let’s keep in mind that Apple caps the iPhone to wirelessly charge at 7.5W. And still, the speed is unsatisfactory at its best.

The next part of inefficiency is the heat that’s generated here. Just 20 minutes of charging the phone brought out almost burning levels of heat. In contrast, the usually wired charging generated little heat and as a result, the phone was slightly warm to the touch which is normal.

Also Read: Hide photos and videos on iPhone

iPhone on a wireless charging pad | Source: Apple

The phone needs to be placed right in the middle of the charging pad to ensure charging actually takes place. Going askew off the center stops the charging process as the induction coils are situated right in the middle portion of the wireless charger.

Taking the aforementioned observations into consideration, the convenience factor of wireless charging just proves to be worthless. Sure, your phone will top up without a cord helping you pick it up any time to check notifications. However, that perk isn’t justified here as the phone stops charging the moment it’s taken off the wireless charger pad. You may say a wireless charging stand helps here but not at all, again due to the lack of portability and wastage of space.

Stick to wired charging for now

It’s as simple as it gets, just takes that much effort to carry the brick and USB cable wherever you go. Apart from the perfectly manageable cord, picking up the phone for checking important notifications and more all while charging much efficiently and safely is more than feasible at the end of the day. Until and unless the weaknesses are ironed out, wired charging is all the way to go!

The post Why wireless charging is nothing more than a gimmick! appeared first on PhoneGlide.