What is it?
Provides wireless charging to a smartphone.
How will it change my life?
Granted, we're not quite at the stage where we have fully fledged wireless charging but this slick gadget is a step in the right direction.
The FUEL iON comprises a plate-like docking station which connects to an electrical outlet or computer. When your phone runs out of juice, there's no scrambling around trying to locate your conventional charger. Rest the phone on top of the pad and, voila, it starts to replenish the battery.
Unlike conventional wireless systems such as Bluetooth, NFC or Wi-Fi, which transmit data through the air, it requires physical contact between two devices to pass electrons and therefore a power charge. The only other caveat is that the phone is placed inside the accompanying case.
Good points?
Patriot, the makers of the FUEL iON, claim its charging technology is as fast and efficient as a regular cable charger and this was reflected in my tests. The iPhone 6 version I tried had a near identical charge time from a 50 per cent battery life as the cabled alternative.
Using the case and pad is simple and effective. You slip the case over your phone and flick up the case connector into the phone's lightning port. To charge you place the device on to the pad, aligning magnetic strips on both units.
Bad points?
The case design isn't as sleek as the pad and adds bulk to the bottom of the phone to cater for the connector. In addition, the magnetic strip can be hit and miss with it often taking three or four attempts before the phone recognises the electrical current.
Best for ...
Those who crave the convenient aspects technology provides. Getting home after a hard day and not needing to hunt for a cable is a key selling point.
Avoid if ...
You would rather wait for a genuine wireless power transfer without the need for additional cases and base plates.
Score:
7/10. A must for all those practical smartphone owners out there.
Patriot FUEL iON, £99.99 (carphonewarehouse.com)
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