Xiaomi Unveils Mi Air Charge; True Wire-free Remote Charging from Across the Room

Wireless charging that modern smartphones use has been around for over a century. The technology requires two copper coils in close contact, so while it is technically wireless, it's not wireless in the sense that your WiFi or Bluetooth connections are. Xiaomi just changed that with Mi Air Charge. This product remotely charges multiple devices without any cables or charging pads/stands.

Xiaomi has been making strides in charging technology. The company recently unveiled 80W conventional wireless charging that fully charges a phone in less than 20 minutes. Similarly, their upcoming Mi 11 Pro is rumored to support 120W wired charging. As impressive as these features are, the Mi Air Charge is a new product category of its own. Xiaomi showcased this patented technology in a short clip. 

A box-like charging tower emits millimeter waves, which, using special circuitry, are turned into usable power to charge the recipient devices. Since there are no wires or accessories involved, you can use your phone while charging. Xiaomi didn't share the exact range, but the signals work across "several meters", even when you're walking around or if there's an obstruction between the charging box and your phone. 

Here's how it works. The Mi Air Charger first locates the phone using five antennas. Once it has identified the device, an array made of no less than 144 antennas transmits millimeter waves focused with beamforming. Currently, it delivers up to 5W of power. 

Since it requires special antennas to be built into the phone, Xiaomi's current focus is small home appliances and wearables. No official launch or pricing details were given, so it's unlikely that the technology will go into mass production anytime soon.