It certainly is good news when a technology is developed to maintain other gadgets–one that can improve and retain power. Intel is developing a new wireless charging technology for laptops, ultrabooks and smartphones that will be available in 2013. Perfect.
The chipmaker had demonstrated an all-in-one PC and keyboard with built-in wireless charging technology. The device to be charged must be placed near the computer and it will start charging smoothly.
How can this be possible when we’re used to having cords for charging? Wireless charging uses the properties of magnetic field and electricity to transfer power from the transmitter to the receiver. It uses a pair of coils that are tuned at the same frequency. Power is applied to one end (transmitter) which creates magnetic field. This, in turn, creates electric field in the receiver coil and charges the device.
Wireless charging had been used to charge medical devices, RFID chips, and general purpose “charging mats” that can charge compatible devices. To be more applicable to daily use, it can be used to power electric cars on the road. This wireless technology will be rolled out in 2013 in a few Haswell-powered ultrabooks. Rumors also say that this can also extend to smartphones. It will be phenomenal and can be a very desirable selling point.
The only possible issue to be encountered is the efficiency, compared to charging with cords. The devices need to be aligned perfectly for the charging to take place. It is also merely a matter of transferring power from one device to the other. What if the laptop power runs off? Leaving the smartphone fully charged but the possibility for battery deficiency is still present.
(via)
