LG Intros $60 Wireless Charger for Nexus 4, Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4, Other Phones
Nexus 4 is getting a new accessory, a wireless charging pad provided by its manufacturer, LG, which touts the WCP-300 as the world's smallest charging pad. It works in other handsets too, possibly the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4.
The rounded plate measures at 6.8cm in diameter and will retail for around $US60. Availability will commence next week, starting off in South Korea with the rest of the world to follow soon.
The asking price seems unattractive but LG contends the plate not only offers the convenience of wire-free charging for Nexus 4 it also supports other LG handsets like the Optimus G Pro, Optimus Vu II and the Optimus LTE 2.
And since the accessory employs the electromagnetic induction technology that is a Qi standard, it can power up other phones as well outside of the LG line up, according to Gotta Be Mobile.
Mobile phone users with the Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC Windows powered phones should find the device useful, the same report said, though it was not mentioned if modifications are required before the handsets can be paired with the LG accessory.
It is highly possible too that the WCP-300 is a shoo-in as charging partner for Samsung's Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4. The phones, however, will need a back-cover replacement that adheres to Qi wireless charging technology.
The new product, according to LG, is the company's way supporting the emerging notion that "wireless charging is the holy grail of smartphone user convenience."
"With the WCP-300, LG was able to deliver both portability with top-class charging capabilities in a device no larger than a typical beverage coaster," the South Korean device manufacturer said.
It offers "better charging efficiency than the existing LG wireless chargers with up to 1.7 times large area with its circular design," FoneArena said.
Wireless charging capability has become a staple of smartphone features, which experts said highlight the convenience and maximum mobility of today's present batch of handsets.
The premium function was first commercially introduced by Google and Nokia when Nexus 4 and Lumia 920 entered the market last year.
LG plans to sell upcoming smartphones with more advanced wireless charging technology.