Energizer intros Qi wireless power for iPhone, BlackBerry
updated 01:35 pm EDT, Tue September 7, 2010
Energize Inductive Charger ready for Apple and RIM
As promised, Energizer today rolled out the Inductive Charger. The plate uses the Qi standard to charge the BlackBerry Curve 8900 and the iPhone 3G/3GS without wires. Both smartphones need a special add-on, either a battery door for the Curve or a full case for the iPhone, but never need to switch back; the iPhone case appears to block the Dock Connector, however.
The base plate itself isn't limited to the two devices and should power up any Qi-capable device that uses 5W of power or less. A USB port also provides an option for those who need to charge a device through conventional means. Energizer hasn't said how long either of the phones take to reach a complete charge versus a wired link.
Inductive Chargers should reach stores in October with a price of $89 for the core device. The BlackBerry and iPhone cases cost the same $35. Energizer hasn't said if or when it plans to ship cases for more recent phones from either company or for other devices.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2008
So...
So instead of sporadically plugging in a cable when I'm not using my phone, I have to carry around this bulkyass case everywhere I go. You know, if we started with the case, the cable would be the breakthrough.