{"id":11290,"date":"2010-01-31T12:30:00","date_gmt":"2010-01-31T10:30:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2010-01-31T12:30:00","modified_gmt":"2010-01-31T10:30:00","slug":"wireless-chargers-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/technology\/11290-wireless-chargers-in-south-africa.html","title":{"rendered":"Wireless chargers in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"

In late 2009 several sources<\/a> cited wireless charging as a technology trend to watch out for in 2010. Similarly a number of manufacturers, most notably Powermat, demonstrated new products to the market at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) which would allow users to recharge handheld devices by laying them down on an activated surface. <\/p>\n

These products operate via a process of magnetic induction where the charge is distributed to the device through two pads. The user is required to plug the primary surface into a wall socket and then connect an additional pad to any device they wish to charge. <\/p>\n

Compatible devices include cellular phones, portable gaming consoles, cameras, MP3 players, Bluetooth headsets, navigation devices and digital readers. <\/p>\n

Currently one of the most popular wireless charging devices is the Powermat, which debuted at CES in 2009. So far it has gathered considerable popularity from the international tech community for supporting up to three devices on a single unit and yet still charging each device in the same amount of time required were it plugged into an electrical outlet. Two versions of the Powermat – a fold up travel unit and one designed for home use, are currently in circulation. <\/p>\n

Despite the apparent benefits South Africans have not yet been able to purchase these devices locally. In response, Vodacom’s iMAGINE concept store in Midrand recently revealed that it would be receiving first stock of the Powermat in roughly one month and confirmed estimated local pricing. <\/p>\n

The primary Powermat unit, which is plugged into an electrical outlet and set down on a surface, will retail for roughly R1000 said a store representative. Each additional pad, which must be attached to the device which is to be charged, will be available for R400. <\/p>\n

Wireless chargers in South Africa<\/strong><\/a> – discussion<\/div>\n

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