Google Pixel 4, 4 XL supports 11W fast wireless charging

One feature Google didn't mention at its recent hardware event is something you might be happy to hear the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL supports: faster wireless charging. 9to5Google reports spotted the Wireless Power Consortium that the new Pixel flagships can support up to 11W Qi wireless charging. 

This improvement is a significant step up from the Pixel 3, which only supports 5W charging with most third-party wireless chargers. Now, if you don't have it yet, you don't need to buy a Pixel Stand to get faster wireless charging. You can search for other, possibly cheaper fast wireless charging pads to use with the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.

Nomad Base Station Pro wants to offer you what Apple AirPower couldn't

Apple might have given up on it, but other companies are taking a stab at creating multi-device wireless chargers. Nomad is giving us a peek at a new charger that it's calling the Base Station Pro. The premise is it can charge devices wirelessly in any layout. The smartphone accessory maker partnered with Aira to develop the technology it's calling "FreePower." Using an 18-coil matrix, it allows you to place your phone or other accessories that charge wirelessly on the pad, and it'll locate your device and direct power there. According to Nomad, the Base Station Pro can charge three devices simultaneously. Nomad hasn't released the availability or price for the device yet. But you can sign up for updates on its website.

iOS 11.2 to introduce faster wireless charging capabilities

Review: Apple iPhone X

The upcoming iOS update will be bringing good news to wireless charging fans. It’ll add support for faster wireless charging for Qi-compatible smartphones. It’ll support Qi wireless charging at a rate of 7.5 watts, which at the moment is limited to 5 watts. Of course this feature won’t work if you don’t pair it with a proper wireless charger. As Lifehacker points out, Apple is currently selling two third-party wireless charging pads that support 7.5-watt charging rate: Samsung’s 9-watt charging pad and RavPower’s 10-watt charging pad. Both are compatible with iPhone 8 and iPhone 10 because of Qi wireless charging standard. Apple is supposedly also working on its own wireless charging pad that can charge up to three devices at a time.

MotherBox offers a more convenient way to wirelessly charge

A new Indiegogo campaign gets rid of the point-to-point contact of wireless charging completely. Called the MotherBox, what you get is simply an angular contraption that makes use of 3D antenna system to send the power to your device. Of course, for your smartphone to charge you’ll need to place a paper-thin receiver at the back of your device and just be near the MotherBox. Afterwards, just download the accompanying app and charge away. There is even a MotherBox Mini version for charging while you’re on the move.

According to Yank Technologies, the team behind the device, the MotherBox can charge around three to four devices at a time, while the Mini can handle one to two devices. The MotherBox needs to be plugged into an outlet to work. Meanwhile, the Mini comes with a rechargeable battery, which the team says should be around 7,000mAh. If you want to back the project, the Early Bird discount for the MotherBox is at US$79, for the MotherBox Mini Early Bird discount is at US$89, and if you want both, the MotherBox Pack Early Bird is priced at US$159. Regular prices are at US$89 for the MotherBox, US$99 for the MotherBox Mini, and US$179 for the MotherBoxPack. You can purchase extra MotherBox Receivers for US$12. Shipping for the product is expect in September 2017.