Qualcomm unveils Quick Charge 1.0, charges phones 40% faster - is already built into a number of handsets

If you've been wondering why your Nexus 4 charges really quickly, well, it could be because of something Qualcomm have very quietly introduced - Quick Charge 1.0. This technology is baked into some of their Snapdragon-based chipsets.

Quick Charge is a physical circuit built into the chipset that talks to the USB connector, so it's not some form of software addition. Qualcomm acquired the technology when they purchased Summit Microelectronics last June. Qualcomm claims that Quick Charge 1.0 allows your smartphone to charge up to 40% faster than a device without Quick Charge. There are already devices in the wild sporting the quick charging technology, including:

• DROID DNA / J Butterfly
• One S / SV / VX
• EVO LTE
• Nexus 4
• Optimus G
• ATRIX HD
• DROID RAZR HD / MAXX
• DROID RAZR M
• Galaxy S III (US version)
• Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 / 10.1 (LTE versions)
• Xperia T / TL

There are many devices running the technology, which you can take a look at the list of right here. Qualcomm aren't finished with Quick Charge just yet, as they've promised "exciting news on the newest advancement in fast charging technology" next week - which should hopefully arrive as Quick Charge 2.0.