The Wireless Power Consortium has updated its Qi specification to version 1.2, something that allows the new Qi standard to blast its wireless powers up to 45mm, or 1.77 inches away. The current standard is only capable of 7mm, or 0.27 inches, so this is quite the increase.
Better yet, Qi 1.2 chargers and receives will be backwards compatible with Qi 1.1 devices, so a Qi 1.1 receiver (such as your Qi-capable smartphone) will be able to enjoy a power transfer range of up to 30mm. The Wireless Power Consortium has said that Qi 1.2 is capable of pushing out an incredible 2000W of resonant energy through the air for powering kitchen appliances.
This means we will eventually see kitchen top appliances being powered without cords, which will be great. The new version 1.2 standard also allows for a single inverter to power multiple coils, which should see much more affordable multi-device chargers.
