System charges phones and laptops wirelessly - Fujitsu

By Ray Nicolini

 

 

Fujitsu, the Japanese technology company, has created a system capable of simultaneously charging multiple portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras and laptop computers, without the need for cable connections.

Photograph by: Albert Gea, Reuters

Mobile-phone users will be able to charge their devices wirelessly for the first time in 2012.

Unlike the current generation of charging "mats," the new technology works at a distance and raises the possibility of a city network quietly charging any cellphone within range.

Fujitsu, the Japanese technology company, has created a system capable of simultaneously charging multiple portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras and laptop computers, without the need for cable connections.

Eventually, electric car drivers may also be able to charge their vehicles wirelessly using the same technology, according to Fujitsu, which unveiled a prototype at a conference at Osaka Prefecture University.

The technology works through transmission of electricity using magnetic fields between the charger and the device.

The system enables wireless charging at distances of several metres -- meaning a single charger could serve a home, much as a home Wi-Fi device does -- with the ultimate aim of public "charging spots" on the streets for easy charging round the clock.

Scientists at Fujitsu Laboratories are planning to sell products incorporating the new wireless charging system as early as 2012, but it has not been disclosed how much they would cost.

"This technology paves the way to integrating compact wireless charging functions into mobile phones and enabling multiple portable devices to be charged simultaneously without any restrictions on their position with respect to the charger," the company said in a statement.

The soaring popularity of portable electronic devices, from iPads to e-readers, is expected to spark a boom in wireless recharging technology developments over the coming decade.

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T3's concept mobile

The 01 Phone marches on with T3 reader-inspired upgrades and a prototype model just around the corner...

After tirelessly collating all of your revolutionary suggestions for the 01 Phone we’ve gone back to the drawing board, or at least The Alloy has – our drawing skills don’t extend beyond stick men. And now we're proud to present the upgraded, snazzed-up version of the 01 Phone, complete with nattily redesigned miniphone and based on what you want.

Click on the links below to launch the gallery and see how we've used the feedback from thousands of emails, comments and even phone calls we received from you guys to create the 01 Phone Mark.II. Then check out the video animation to see the handset is sexy 3D.

The 01's UI and features in pics: Amazing 01 phone Mk.III 01 phone Mk.II

So what's new?

We've dropped the miniphone/stylus that resided in the back of the handset. It's now a separate device with wired earphones, because 27% of you said you don't want to see wireless earphones. Its lithium polymer battery charges directly from the main phone and it can be clipped onto your collar for making and receiving calls, as well as listening to music.

The 5.0-megapixel camera has been upgraded to 8.0-megapixel and we've also promised to include a Xenon flash. All the better to see you with.

And what's next?

Firstly, we’ll be creating a model of the 01 Phone with an operational slide-out keyboard and port cover, and we'll be taking that to Mobile World Congress to see what the industry thinks of our game-changing device.

So if you're attending the show in Barcelona next week, drop in on The Alloy's stand and check out the 01 Phone for yourself - they'll have it on display, and would love the opportunity to show you the new features and get your feedback.
Then we’re turning our attention to China. We’ll be talking to manufacturers in the Far East to discuss actually making the phone. The Chinese market is vastly more advanced than Europe in terms of features, so if we’re going to make the most sophisticated phone ever we’ll be needing to forge relationships out there. Keep checking in at www.T3.com andwww.the01phone.com for updates…

In the meantime, check out our video (in full-screen for a better viewing experience) and new

photos here, and as ever, let us know what you think in the comments below.