Xiaomi shows wireless charger that works from a few meters away

Xiaomi introduces its Mi Air Charge technology. The Chinese manufacturer claims that wireless charging with a power of 5W is possible at a distance of several meters. The technology would also allow multiple devices to be charged remotely at the same time.

The Mi Air Charge technology makes it possible to wirelessly charge multiple devices at the same time while users are gaming or walking, without the need for a holder or charging mat, Xiaomi describes. Smartphones must be equipped with beacon and receiving antenna arrays for wireless charging.

The beacon antennas transmit the location to the charging station. The Air Charge charger receives this signal with five antennas and locates the smartphone based on interference. The charger then sends a signal via millimeter waves to the smartphone via beamforming with its 144 antennas. The fourteen receiving antennas of the smartphone convert this signal into electricity.

For now, the technology supports charging a single device or multiple devices at 5W. Physical obstacles would not reduce efficiency, the claim is. Xiaomi does not give more details about Air Charge yet. For example, the company does not mention when a product is ready for sale. Xiaomi does report that the technology will work ‘in the near future’ not only with smartphones but also with smartwatches, smart bracelets and other wearables and that living rooms can be equipped with power supplies for wireless charging ‘soon’.