The newest “X-cessory” for the iPhone X, 8 and 8 Plus, which can all be charged wirelessly at long last, is Belkin’s “BOOST↑UP” Wireless Charging pad using the Qi charging standard.
Want to go wire-free when charging your new iPhone 8, 8 Plus or X, as I mangle the letter X and the number 10?
Apple has finally adopted the Qi wireless charging standard, years after its competitors, but hey – better late than never, with Apple sure to finally elevate wireless charging to a new level of popularity.
After all, despite years of Nokia Windows phones, various Samsungs, LGs and other handsets offering the convenience of wireless charging, it’s still not something that is truly widespread, but now that Apple has jumped on board, we should really see some wireless waves of power charging things up all over the place!
{loadposition alex08}Able to charge at level of up to 7.5W for compatible Qi devices, such as phones, tablets and other accessories with Qi technology, alongside the trio of new iPhones, BOOST↑UP is “is capable of faster charging output than standard 5W Qi chargers” and won’t interfere with the other operations of your new iPhones.
The Boost↑Up Wireless Charging Pad will retail for A$99 at Belkin’s website, Apple’s online store, Apple Stores worldwide and presumably, at some point in the not-too-distant future, at the usual suspects of the Australian consumer electronics retail sector.
Steve Malony, general manager and vice-president of Belkin, said: “Customers around the world love iPhone and we believe wireless charging is the future. We are excited to continue expanding Belkin’s growing portfolio of wireless charging solutions with the new Boost↑Up Wireless Charging Pad for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, holding to our mission of helping consumers realise the power of new technology.
“Today we deliver the best cable-free and convenient charging solution for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X users.”
Noting that it “worked closely with Apple to design” this new charging pad Belkin said it also “conducted a wireless global consumer insights study earlier this year to understand charging behaviour and purchasing preferences and kept consumer feedback in mind when designing the product.”
The study doesn’t appear to have been made public anywhere that I can see at Belkin’s site, but it presumably was for Belkin’s own internal consumption rather than being research made freely available to competitors, and clearly, Belkin tells us that its findings influenced Boost↑Up’s design.
For those wondering, there’s no need to remove your iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X from the case when powering up. Belkin advises that its “BOOST↑UP Wireless Charging Pad can charge through most lightweight cases".
Belkin naturally promotes its 30+ year record of pioneering technology and innovation in this space – the company is certainly no Jonny-come Appleseed-lately from some dodgy Chinese factory cloning stuff from other people, and promises your phone won’t overheat or shut down prematurely.
Indeed, it is well known that Belkin is a quality company, and this is even backed up by the NPD Group’s US Retail Tracking service, based on units sold form July 2015 to July 2017, recognising Belkin as the “fastest growing 3rd party maker of wireless charging accessories".
And, unlike those aforementioned cheap Chinese products you will find online, Belkin has specifically tuned its charging pad for the new iPhones’ wireless technology, so much so that the company offers a $2500 Belkin Connected Equipment Warranty, whereby “if your device is damaged by an electrical charge while properly connected to the charger, Belkin will repair or replace it up to a value of $2500".
Try claiming that from an eBay/Alibaba/online seller, with Belkin backing up its booster with a two-year warranty, freely extendable to three years with free registration.
When your iPhone is placed on the charger, a “solid green LED light shows when your phone is correctly aligned on the pad and charging".
Here are some other key features:
- Non-slip surface helps secure iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X
- 7.5W Qi transmitter coil for faster wireless charging than standard 5W wireless chargers
- Fanless design ensures quiet operation
- Intelligent wireless charging chipset combines multiple sophisticated features for overall performance and efficiency
- Thermal protection sensor provides safer operation
- Enhanced foreign-object-detection circuit provides safer operation
- AC adapter included so you can start charging right out of the box
- Weight: charger 3.88oz / 110g
- Weight: power supply 4.09oz / 116g
