At the recent Consumer Electronics ShowToshiba Corp. (Tokyo: 6502) announced the industry's first microUSB Adaptor Module for the TransferJet standard. Production will begin in March and will be targeted for smartphones, tablets, and the PC peripheral market.
The astounding thing about TransferJet is that it can transfer a one-minute HD movie in about three seconds, and it takes about two minutes to transfer a full DVD-sized movie. At CES there were a few demos showcasing how easy TransferJet is to use among tablets, smartphones, cameras, and notebooks. Basically, you simply pick the data you want to transfer, tap the two devices together (after each device gives permission), and voila, Done. It really does take just a few moments before you're able to watch the video on a completely new device.
The rate of transfer is about 375Mbit/s, which is about 8 times faster than WiFi, and about 1,000 times better than NFC. For security and functional reasons, the data transfer only works up to 5 centimeters before the devices are disconnected. The farther the devices are from one another, the slower the transfer speed.
Semico Research Corp. recently released an NFC report and had this to say about TransferJet:
TransferJet is a close proximity wireless technology with the ability to transfer large files between two devices. It has a very high data rate; it takes less than 2 seconds to transfer 100MB, and less than 2 minutes to transfer a DVD. TransferJet uses inductive coupling, similar to NFC, to make the connection.
The same chip is used in both the sending and the receiving devices. Unlike NFC, TransferJet does not incorporate a Secure Element chip, so it is not going to be used for payment applications. The technology is being targeted at transferring and streaming media files between cell phones and TVs, cameras and printers, or computer to computer.
Toshiba and Sony are currently manufacturing TransferJet chips. Sony and Epson have released a few products with TransferJet, but it is a new technology that has yet to gain much traction. However, the TransferJet Consortium has demonstrated prototypes that integrate TransferJet, wireless charging and NFC in one device.
And of course, Toshiba did indicate that its roadmap does include plans for integrating NFC and TransferJet into its Free-Positioning Wireless Charger, which it also demonstrated at CES.
Previously, wireless chargers could only charge one device per coil, and the position of your smartphone had to be exact. Toshiba is now offering a chipset with a 2-coil transmitter that enables two smartphones to charge at once in any position. This means you and your friend can just toss your phones onto the table at work, and they'll automatically start charging.
We're finally at the point where we can start abandoning all those wires we have lying around our offices and living rooms. I don't know about you, but I have two boxes full of "just in case" wires sitting in a corner that I can't wait to ditch.
Wireless charging is quite inefficient and may not be consider green tech. I suggest wireless charger must have option to plug-in and charge, which is more efficient.
Right? At CES RFaxis showed me all the different signals running on the 2.6Ghz spectrum, and there were dozens in our small room. We're completely surrounded. With all the rumors about cell phones causing cancer I think safety is one of the first thoughts in people's head when they hear about Wireless Charging
Michell, I don't know why I was concerned about radiation or any other health issues related to wireless charging. It's not like we don't have enough floating through the air. I am sitting at my desk with a mobile phone, cordless office phone, two wireless routers, a wireless printer and a wireless PC. :)
Thats right - 5 cms is where Toshiba decided to do a cut off, because the farther the devices are from each other, the slower the transfer rate. TransferJet itself will actually transfer up to 10 cms, so Toshiba is doing quality control.
@ _hm
Well, if you don't want to hold your devices together for the 2 minutes it takes to transfer a whole DVD movie, then you could always set them on a table together and walk away :)
I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't be comfortable with their devices touching, unless your friend has cheeto hands. In that case, I feel your pain.
- Yes, the Wireless Power Consortium I believe has done some digging into health implications, and when I asked last year they very confidently said there was no real concern, because actual contact is required between the device and the charging pads. They aren't really sending radiation or anything floating around in space, though the technology brings that idea to mind (for me anyway).
Michell, Has anyone done any major research into the health implications of wireless charging? I am curious because of the technology and the potential impact on us.
If I read it correctly, 5 cms is the distance at which the transfer rate is maximum. The rate becomes slower as the distance increases.
The wireless charging of cellphones is a great news. Wireless transfer of power is something I was always excited about. Hope such concepts are extended further so that may be someday we won't have to connect our Pcs or laptops to the mains by a thic wire.
5 cms looks very small distance. How Toshiba arrived at 5cm distance? It may be difficult to hold two devices (one yours and one your friends) together at <5cm distance for two or more minutes. Also, some people may not be comfortable with their device to be so close.
Great editorial Michell ! It is a key topic - in my opinion - for definitely promoting the wireless era; right now, it is not so easy to hear about, maybe it takes time for the final adoption, but a wireless high transfert bit rate, for instance, is exactly what we need according to current trend for allowing a good step toward a "contactless digital life".
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Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
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