This company claims it invented the world’s first 'contactless' wireless charger

The Silicon Valley start-up Pi says they have found a way to charge phones and tablets by simply placing the devices near its cone-like charger.

If the company’s claims are true, the Pi charger would be the world’s first contactless charger. This device doesn’t simply ditch wires — it is an innovative leap beyond the recently introduced charging pads, which power devices by placing them on the pads.

SEE ALSO:The iPhone 8 is excellent, but not for everyone

Until the devices are available for review, however, the technology should be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism. While Pi has built an elegant website and is staffed by some apparently brainy MIT-schooled researchers, some of the most technologically advanced companies in the world — of note, Apple — have yet to offer this contactless technology.

The Pi charger emanates magnetic fields, which the company says can efficiently charge a phone or tablet up to a foot away from your device.

---

Prime Day deals you can shop right now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

• iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum—$399.99(List Price $599.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet—$142.49(List Price $219.99)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case—$168.99(List Price $249.00)

• Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker With 6-Months Membership—$99.95(List Price $159.95)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm, Midnight, S/M, Sports Band)—$279.99(List Price $399.00)

---

Mashable Light SpeedWant more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Thanks for signing up!

“Magnetic fields are the best way to send meaningful energy to phones, tablets, and other portable electronics,” said Pi co-founder Lixin Shi in a press release. “The hard part was figuring out how to make magnetic charging more flexible, multi-device, and extend its useful range. It took us over a year to complete the mathematical proof that makes it all possible.”

Devices charging within a foot of the Pi charging station.Credit: Pi

When such a device is emanating energy into the air, there are obvious safety concerns. The company acknowledges this, saying that it meets FCC regulatory standards and operates at power levels low enough to be safe.

“While long range microwave, ultrasound, or laser based technologies have been proposed for wireless charging, none of these technologies have proven safe at power levels needed to charge modern smartphones. Pi’s breakthrough is in finally bringing to market a truly wireless charging technology that is safe and follows existing regulatory standards, while also being affordable, compact and powerful.”

While Pi has moved beyond charging pads, Apple’s wireless charging pad, AirPower, won’t be ready until next year.

Mashable just reviewed the iPhone 8’s ability to charge with a Belkin wireless pad, and found that the iPhone needed to be carefully placed on the center of the pad for it to charge properly. If this is any indication, wireless charging technology may still be in its elementary stages — unless Pi has indeed developed an electromagnetic charging technology that has truly surpassed tech prowess of Apple.

---

Featured Video For You

---

The internet thinks Arya Stark could bust iPhone's Face ID wide open

---

TopicsAppleiPhoneInnovations