Qualcomm's WiPower enables wireless charging for devices with metal backs

Qualcomm announced a new wireless charging technology that will enable wireless charging feature for mobile devices sporting metal exteriors dubbed WiPower. This technology is complaint with the Rezence standard that is based on Near Field Magnetic Resonance technology. Qualcomm claims it to be the "first announced solution to support wireless charging for metal devices."

WiPower enables simultaneous charging of multiple devices with different power requirements while using Bluetooth Smart to minimize hardware requairements. It operates at a frequency that is more tolerant of metal objects and allows all smartphone sporting metal exteriors to be wirelessly charged at a faster speed (up to 22 watts of power). The technology enables more flexibility by eliminating the need for precise alignment or physical contact with receiving device.

Notably wireless charging technology, until now, was available to devices sporting plastic, polycarbonate and rubber back cover and was not compatible with devices with metal panel. Some of the smartphones in the market sporting metal exterior include the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, HTC One M9, Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge among others.

The techniques for designing a phone to charge via metal back cover alongside full suite of WiPower reference designs are now available for WiPower licensees.