Mobile Technology

Rubix On makes wireless charging easier with the power of magnets

Rubix On makes wireless charging easier with the power of magnets
The On Case and On Charger aim to make wireless charging easier
The On Case and On Charger aim to make wireless charging easier
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The color options for the On Case and On Charger
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The color options for the On Case and On Charger
The On Case and On Charger aim to make wireless charging easier
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The On Case and On Charger aim to make wireless charging easier
The On Case and On Charger combine to make wireless charging easier
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The On Case and On Charger combine to make wireless charging easier
The On Charger is actually a 5000mAh backup battery
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The On Charger is actually a 5000mAh backup battery
A look at both the case and backup battery
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A look at both the case and backup battery
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Wireless charging is a convenient technology, allowing users to charge their smart devices without worrying about cables. But it's still young, and has some problems – specifically the fact that users need to line up the device with the charger correctly to get it to work. This can sometimes end up not being much easier than plugging in. That's why the team at Rubix is developing its On wireless charger and case, which promises to make wireless charging easier thanks to magnets.

The devices use the popular Qi wireless charging standard, making it compatible with many wireless charging devices right off the bat, including the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. With those devices, users simply place their phone on the On Charger, which is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery. For users with built-in Qi charging technology, they will get a magnet-free charging experience, as the extra grip comes from the On Case.

The case, which is required for iPhone 6 since there's no Qi charging built-in, adds a small magnetic ring that allows users to simply place their phone on the wireless charging battery and have it lock into place. This means they don't need to think about lining the wireless chargers up properly.

Right now, the On Case portion of the system is only available for iPhone 6, though the team has stretch goals in place to bring it to iPhone 6 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. It's debatable whether magnetism makes it worth using a wireless charging case on a phone that already has wireless charging built in, but at least GS6 owners will (eventually) have that option.

As a cool bonus, the backup battery can be charged either with cables or with another Qi wireless charger, giving users options for how to keep the backup battery juiced.

Rubix is seeking funding on Kickstarter to bring its On Charger and On Case to market. It's still early in its funding period, and is seeking US$100,000. Backers interested in just an On Charger can preorder one for a minimum pledge of $59, and backers who want an iPhone 6 On Case and an On Charger need to pledge $89. If the goal is met, the team plans to deliver in August of 2015.

You can find out more in the pitch video below.

Source: Rubix, Kickstarter

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2 comments
2 comments
Bill Bennett
I had a Palm Pre Plus with the Touchstone years ago, it was great
BZD
I have been charging my phone wireless(Qi) for some 2½ years now and I have not once found it difficult and I have not heard or read about anyone else having problems charging. Maybe having magnets to align the phone and charing plate is a good idea for those on stormy high seas in small boats, but other than that I don't know :-)
In fact charging wireless is really easy and it is not like how one places the phone on the charger is super critical, something which should be obvious considering Nokia was selling a Qi charger plate disguised in a mini FatBoy pillow (Nokia DT-901 if you want to look it up).