Wireless charging is becoming more common, but it frequently necessitates hefty circuitry that smaller devices, such as earphones, cannot handle. Could the upcoming Android 15 version change all of that? Recent research points to the intriguing potential of wireless charging using the same NFC technology utilized for data transfers.
What is NFC Wireless Charging?
The NFC Forum announced the NFC Wireless Charging standard in 2020. This new standard enables NFC-enabled devices to send up to 1 watt of electricity across a small 2cm distance. This paves the way for seamless power sharing between compatible gadgets.
Use Cases: Small Devices, Big Potential
NFC Wireless Charging is ideally suited to power:
- Wireless Earbuds: No more fiddly charging cases.
- Smart Trackers: Compact trackers could use rechargeable batteries.
- Styluses: Ditch proprietary charging docks.
Why the Delay?
Despite the standard’s introduction in 2020, no major devices have implemented it yet. This is primarily due to a lack of operating system support… until now.
Android 15: The Game Changer
Mishaal Rahman delved into the code of Android 15 Beta 1p and discovered a promising entry labeled ‘NfcCharging.’ Google appears to be building direct support for this technology into the heart of its mobile operating system.
Samsung: A Potential Powerhouse Player
If Samsung adopts NFC Wireless Charging alongside Android 15, it has the potential to be an industry-shifting move. Imagine:
- Galaxy Buds charging directly from your Galaxy phone.
- Lost your Galaxy SmartTag? Top up its power wirelessly using your phone.
- Even lower-end Galaxy devices without dedicated wireless charging coils could charge supported accessories.
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The Limitations
Let’s be realistic:
- Slow Speeds: Don’t ditch your fast charger yet; 1W is good for a trickle charge.
- Hardware Adoption: SmartTag models currently use replaceable batteries. Future iterations would be needed.
When Can We Expect This?
It’s still early days. If NFC Wireless Charging makes it into the final Android 15 build (likely sometime in 2024), device makers like Samsung will then need to implement it. Watch Google I/O 2024 for potential announcements.
The Future: Less Wires, More Freedom
NFC Wireless Charging, while not a replacement for high-speed charging, offers unparalleled convenience for tiny accessories. It could herald a new generation of compact, always-charged gadgets—a win for consumers and a fresh frontier in the wireless charging evolution.
