Tesla announced on Thursday, December 22, that it is launching the Wireless Charging Platform, a wireless charger that is capable to charge multiple devices at once.
Users will be able to charge up to three Qi devices on the wireless charger at the same time, receiving up to 15W of power each.
According to MacRumors, the charger's concept is similar to that of AirPower, an accessory that Apple wanted to produce.
Apple canceled AirPower in 2019 even before it is made available in stores. This left many people upset since it was expected to charge up to three devices simultaneously.
Tesla's Wireless Charging Platform Features "FreePower"
The Wireless Charging Platform of Tesla has an angular, metallic-styled design. According to the company, the accessory is inspired by the Cybertruck.
The charger also features an aluminum housing with an alcantara surface. It has a detachable magnetic stand that you can use for charging flat or at a particular angle.
Similar to AirPower's concept, Tesla's Wireless Charging Platform features "FreePower" technology. This means you can place your devices anywhere on the charger's surface without precise alignment.
According to Mashable, you can purchase Tesla's Wireless Charging Platform now for $300. However, shipping will start in February 2023. You can check Tesla's website if you are interested in the product.
The charging mat of Tesla's charger is using FreePower. It's a technology from Aira that has been used in other wireless charging platforms such as the Base Station Pro from Nomad.
Nomad's Base Station Pro is also capable of charging by putting your devices anywhere on the charging platform. However, it turned out to be quite problematic because it did not work well with the iPhone 12 and later due to a firmware issue.
While the concept of Tesla's Wireless Charging Platform is similar to what Apple intended to achieve with the AirPower, its use is limited to Qi-based devices only such as the iPhone and the AirPods. Unfortunately, it does not charge the Apple Watch.
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Apple Canceled AirPower, a Product Similar to Tesla's Wireless Charging Platform
In September 2017, Apple announced the AirPower. It's a multi-device charger that the company designed to charge the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once.
Apple aims to let users charge their devices by placing them anywhere on the AirPower to charge.
However, according to Macrumors, the overlapping wireless coils required were problematic. Apple realized that heat management and interference issues prevented the product from being viable.
The company intended to launch AirPower in 2018. However, it never appeared. In 2019, Apple confirmed its cancelation.
According to the company, AirPower will not achieve its high standards thus, they are canceling the project.
However, according to various reports, Apple was struggling with overheating issues during development that's why it canceled the product.
In a statement issued in 2019, the company apologized to the customers who were looking forward to the product's launch.
Likewise, Apple said that they continue to believe that the future is wireless. With this, they remain committed to pushing the wireless experience forward.
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