qi

Pull up to the fire, its history time. We’ve had different formats and standards fighting for relevancy as long as there has been technology. Betamax vs. VHS and HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray are some that jump out at us. Right now we’re in the midst of a battle between two standards for wireless charging – Qi from the Wireless Power Consortium and Power 2.0 from the Power Matters Alliance. If you’re rocking a Windows Phone like the Nokia Lumia 920 or the HTC 8X you’re part of the Qi bandwagon.

Any reason to worry about your standard losing out in the long run? Maybe, Power Kiss just went and joined the Power Matters Alliance.

Update: We now have a discount code...see below.*

Moment of humble-brag: I bought a new car recently and since it’s my first new car I’m suddenly into accessories for it. Enter in ProClip, one of the top recommended companies who manufacture in-car mounts for literally everything mobile.

We had a few conversations with Johan van Mierlo, Global Partner Development Manager at ProClip at CES 2013 and truth be told their products are quite compelling for those considering a superior setup for their vehicles.

Yesterday Toyota became the self-proclaimed first automaker to offer wireless device charging as an option in their vehicles. The 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited and Avalon Hybrid Limited will have Qi wireless charging technology included in their Technology add-on package.

We just ordered a JBL-Nokia PowerUp speaker last night but we're kicking ourselves now as Verizon has a great deal for the black version. While locations like AT&T and some online retailers are selling the monster speaker for $299, Verizon has it for just $249.99. That $50 savings is nothing to sneeze at as it makes the Nokia accessory a little bit more in reach for those considering it.

Update: To clarify, the Touchstone charger doesn't actually charge the Lumia 920. It just actives the charging protocol but due to a mismatch in frequencies, it does not actually do anything. In fact, as webOSNation's Derek Kessler tells us, it could even damage your phone were you to leave it on there for an extended period of time. In other words, don't do this!

The Nokia Lumia 920 (and 820 with backplate) uses the Qi standard for wireless charging. In simplest terms that means universal charging plates (as opposed to some proprietary system) can be mass produced and the 920 will work with future products. It also means that past wireless charging systems, like Palm's Touchstone charging dock also work with the Lumia 920 as demonstrated in the video above.

Should you be waiting for the Lumia 920 in Europe, popular retailer Phone House (trading as 'The Carphone Warehouse' in the UK) has reportedly confirmed availability of the Nokia Windows Phone for the end of this month. Not only that, but Phone House in France is also offering a free FatBoy with the first 200 purchases (limited to www.phonehouse.fr only / black Lumia 920).

The retailer states all eligible customers will be sent their Fatboy charging accessory by late October / early November. The Fatboy wireless charging pillow is just one of a few accessories that's offered by Nokia for its new Windows Phone devices. Making use of the Qi standard, the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 will be compatible with a number of charging products.

via: NokiaPowerUser; thanks, Sunny, for the tip!