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Earlier this week we heard a rumor that promised a big change in the way Android phones wirelessly charged.
Qi2 is, to put it simply, an open version ofApples MagSafe.
Unfortunately, that announcement was just that, an announcement of what was to come.
Until that process was completed, phone makers couldnt actually include it in their devices.
Phones like theSamsung Galaxy S24orOnePlus 12arrived too early to even consider including Qi2.
Instead the nonchalant way Google dismissed the technology as having no tangible benefits really got under my skin.
Googles antics proved that Qi2 still needed someone to get the ball rolling, and kickstart Qi2 adoption.
Because the magnets are only part of it.
The biggest benefit is an overall better wireless charging experience.
Better alignment means a more efficient charging experience, and less energy being wasted as heat.
Thats better for your phone and your electric bill while also reducing recharge time.
Qi2 also boosts the maximum charging speed from 7.5W to 15W,something weve already seen on iPhones.
Its not the fastest wireless charging in the world, especially on flagship phones.
Chargers will also offer better heat management and foreign object detection, which enhances safety.
The magnetsalso mean a lot more opportunity for accessories.
Weve already seen the myriad of MagSafe-compatible products available for iPhone users that are out there.
Ive even seen magnetic battery packs that literally wirelessly recharge your phone on the go.
But all of that relies on phone companies actually integrating the new tech on their phones.
The trend of magnetic charging isnt going to happen until one of the big brands actually get on board.
Samsung is the perfect company to help make that happen.
You get great cameras, excellent performance and good battery life wrapped up in a very good-looking phone.
And if that happens Samsungs biggest rivals are likely going to follow-suit to avoid being left behind.
This is assuming the rumors are true, of course.
We wont find out until the nextGalaxy Unpacked, which isrumored to be happening on January 23.
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