Wireless Charging
We can thank (pre-Microsoft/HMD) Nokia for debuting wireless charging on its Nokia Lumia 920, the first commercially available phone with the feature. It used the Qi specification, which is still used today by mobile giants Samsung, Apple, Google, and OnePlus. With wireless charging, you can place your phone on a charging pad rather than plugging in a cord. It’s convenient when topping up at work or before you turn in for the night—just set the phone on top of the pad and forget it.
Wireless charging has its drawbacks: It isn’t entirely “wireless” (the pad needs to be plugged into an outlet) and although charging speeds have increased, the tech isn’t very energy efficient. Moreover, the adoption of Qi charging has forced phone makers to switch to glass backs to improve connectivity, though Nokia deserves even more credit for using polycarbonate.
