New NFC Specification Will Let Smartphones Charge Small Devices

[sideshowuniqueuser]

I think there is a key point missing here. Assumption on my part, but I expect the whole point of this is no contact is required.

So imagine your Airpods being charged, or at least the case, from your phone while your Airpod case is in your pocket and your phone is in your hand.

Wireless, contact-free charging. So the time it takes is of course much less relevant.

Now, imagine an NFC charging transmitter on your desk, charging everything in range. Your phone, your earbuds...

Electrical engineer here. If the phone is in your hand, and the Airpod case is in your pocket, the case won't charge at that distance. Wireless charging uses an electromagnetic field, which is governed by the inverse square law, so the further the distance between the objects, the much much less the power is transmitted. Even with the case sitting on the phone, it's not nearly as efficient as a cable. Further away, then forget it. In your pocket, effectively zero.

 

[Coconut Bean]

It makes sense to charge at that low rate, means the device wouldn't overheat.. which is part of the reason why Apple didn't release airpower. I myself can't see me switching to a port-less device for a long long time.. at least 4 to 5 years simply because copying files is still not nearly as far as direct plugin. So until that gets a nice kick in the butt.. i'll stick with cables for charging and large data transfer.

For me it doesn't make sense tbh. Your device will be useless for a long time because charging is so slow. For charging AirPod case, it should be sufficient/better with reverse Qi-charging.

Now I CAN see use-cases that do not exist yet. Say a more power hungry, NFC-powered and connected sensor that does not need an internal battery.

 

[nylonsteel]

what a a-watch would say to a iphone
"energize me"
"may the force be with you"

 

[Daum]

Power share is definitely nice. I would not use it during the day but it comes in handy when I travel and can I charge my galaxy buds over night with my Note10+. Or even my girlfriend's phone cause you know ladies never forget their cords. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[tkukoc]

For me it doesn't make sense tbh. Your device will be useless for a long time because charging is so slow. For charging AirPod case, it should be sufficient/better with reverse Qi-charging.

Now I CAN see use-cases that do not exist yet. Say a more power hungry, NFC-powered and connected sensor that does not need an internal battery.

True, but I don't use my phone during meetings. So I could essentially turn my phone over and put AirPods on the back just to creep a little power.. but yes I do agree with what you are saying.. guess we'll see if they ever incorporate this.