Aira Aiming to Bring Full-Surface AirPower-Like Wireless Charging to Vehicles
Aira this week announced that it has received a strategic investment from automotive supplier Motherson to help bring its FreePower wireless charging technology to automakers. The companies aim to jointly develop, manufacture, and supply automotive-grade FreePower wireless charging modules for seamless integration into vehicle interiors.
Unlike traditional wireless charging mats, which require devices to be precisely aligned in order to charge, FreePower allows for full surface charging from corner to corner. The proprietary technology can accommodate different surface sizes and any number of Qi-enabled devices, including the latest iPhones and AirPods with a wireless charging case. One exception is the Apple Watch, which does not work with standard Qi chargers.
Aira envisions a vehicle with a large wireless charging surface spanning the center console, on which Qi-enabled devices could be placed to charge, with total freedom of movement. The exact implementation would likely be up to automakers, as some might want to incorporate cupholders and other features alongside the charging surface.
In September, accessory maker Nomad released the Base Station Pro wireless charging mat as the first product with FreePower integration. Priced at $199.95, the Base Station Pro has 18 charging coils that allow for three Qi-enabled devices to be charged at once, regardless of their position on the mat. This solution is similar to what Apple aimed to achieve with its canceled AirPower mat, although it lacks support for the Apple Watch.
No timeframe was offered for when we might see the first vehicles with support for FreePower. Aira also wants to expand the technology to furniture like desks and nightstands, as well as restaurants, airports, hotels, and more.
Popular Stories
A new Apple TV is expected to be released later this year, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device.
Below, we recap what to expect from the next Apple TV, according to rumors.
Rumors
Faster Wi-Fi Support
The next Apple TV will be equipped with Apple's own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. He said the chip supports ...
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series in two months, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive.
If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming...
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are only two months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices.
Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Latest Rumors
These rumors surfaced in June and July:A redesigned Dynamic Island: It has been rumored that all iPhone 17 models will have a redesigned Dynamic Island interface — it might ...
The long wait for an Apple Watch Ultra 3 is nearly over, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device.
Below, we recap what to expect from the Apple Watch Ultra 3:Satellite connectivity for sending and receiving text messages when Wi-Fi and cellular coverage is unavailable
5G support, up from LTE on the Apple Watch Ultra 2
Likely a wide-angle OLED display that ...
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models with displays made by BOE will be sold exclusively in China, according to a new report.
Last week, it emerged that Chinese display manufacturer BOE was aggressively ramping up its OLED production capacity for future iPhone models as part of a plan to recapture a major role in Apple's supply chain.
Now, tech news aggregator Jukan Choi reports...
The iOS 26 public beta release is quickly approaching, while developers have recently gotten their hands on a third round of betas that has seen Apple continue to tweak features, design, and functionality.
We're also continuing to hear rumors about the iPhone 17 lineup that is now just about right around the corner, while Apple's latest big-budget film appears to be taking off, so read on...
