Xiaomi has announced a wireless power station that can charge phones over the air, but it is not a new concept and has not been successful in the past due to the difficulties of air charging. Xiaomi's product has a power limit of 5 watts per device, while many phones are capable of charging at 120 watts. The phone must have a beacon antenna that is active all the time and 14 other antennas to convert the air charge into battery juice. Xiaomi's charging station is the size of a fridge and is expensive, and it is uncertain whether it will be offered for global sale. The air charging process is wasteful and uses more energy, and there are potential safety concerns. In the long-term, air charging could lead to devices with minimal batteries, which would reduce thickness and weight.
1. Xiaomi has announced a wireless power station.
2. It can charge a phone over the air using a narrow beam.
3. Multiple companies have tried air charging before and failed.
4. Xiaomi's charging station can charge multiple devices at once.
5. The power limit per device is kept at five watts.
6. The charging station is the size of a fridge and may not work with all phones.
7. Air charging is less efficient than cable charging and may raise health concerns.
8. Xiaomi's announcement indicates that air charging may become a trend.
9. Air charging technology may eliminate the need for batteries in devices.