14 DAY TRIAL // While Apple’s AirPower is quite a neat idea to wirelessly charge more than one device at the same time, Cupertino is extremely slow to bring it to the market, giving others the opportunity to develop similar products and launch them ahead of its own model.
One of those that could do this is none other than rival Samsung, who apparently believes that a multi-device charger is a brilliant idea. So brilliant that it’s building its own such charger.
A recent leak shows what is being called the Samsung Wireless Charger Duo, a model which could let Samsung customers charge two different devices at the same time.
Most likely, what Samsung is aiming for is give its buyers the possibility of charging both the smartphone and the smartwatch using this accessory. Rumor has it that Samsung is planning to rebrand its Gear S4 to Samsung Watch, and the device could feature a new charging system allowing for this charger to be used at the same time with a smartphone.
While details are still scarce for the time being, it’s not easy to guess what Samsung is trying to do with such an accessory.
Launching next month
First of all, the multi-device charger could launch in early August alongside the Galaxy Note 9 and the Samsung Watch. This way, the charger would help round up an entire ecosystem, and Samsung hopes that customers wouldn’t just buy the Note 9 or the Samsung Watch, but all three new devices that it plans to unveil.
Most likely, sales would begin later the same month, and Samsung could offer special deals to those who get all three products. Bundles could thus help the company achieve this purpose, while also making sure that the charger itself wouldn’t be a flop.
The biggest question is whether this charger is going to work with other products like the Galaxy S9. The box does indicate it may support the Qi standard, but if it's restricted to the Note 9, there’s a good chance nobody is going to buy it, especially since the new phablet itself is believed to be only a subtly revised model versus its predecessor.