Aircharge, which develops wireless charging products, has partnered with McDonald's to add wireless charging stations to several of their restaurants throughout the UK. Announced during CES 2015, the agreement would see a total of 600 Qi wireless charging spots across the country, and follows a smaller initial market test.
From Qi at CES:
The Aircharge charging spots were specially designed to be water resistant and easy to wipe clean – perfect for a public environment like a restaurant. And because they're using Qi, many consumers already have devices that are ready to charge. There are already more than 70 Qi-enable smartphones on the market.
If you don't have a smartphone with Qi wireless charging, you will be able to use a Aircharge wireless charging receiver with your device, which is provided at the charging spot. No timeline has been given for the rollout.
Source: Qi at CES
Reader comments
McDonald's partners with Aircharge to bring Qi charging to UK locations
I really wish my 1520 had wireless charging like my 920 did. Really miss it. Hopefully the future brings more Qi Love to Windows Phone or Windows Mobile rather ;-) . This is yet another example that Qi is alive and well. Would like to see this become the standard.
Sweet, at least it is not PMA :).
Rather than complaining about bringing it to the MDs in the US, i say work with Phil's Coffee to compete with Starbucks.
What's Phil's Coffee? I've never heard of it or seen it. Is it a regional chain?
Philz Coffee is regional to the SF Bay Area.
So let me get this straight, WP has wireless charging, Android has wireless charging, and IOS has.... Oh never mind.
This is great, I look forward to seeing Qi chargers in more venues :)
Yes! This would be a very useful feature
Had those in the Maccy D's near me for a few months now; very handy, plus they incorporate micro USB and Apple connectors so everyone can benefit.
This will be good. Even if I'm just needing a quick top up of battery, I can pop in a McDonalds and grab a quick snack, and watch it charge.
Welcome to the future.
I wonder how long til dumb people ruin them...
that's not a lot of McDonalds sites in the UK and that's not going to work well.. Most are owned by private companies and do not install the options the main company wants to promote. Some charge for ketchup for example and some don't so how are they gonna install this free of charge?
Qi fights back!
Amazing news, shame it will just be exploited by the thieves here in the UK, they'll walk past yours table and pick your phone up.
Then the next person will damage the charger for no other reason than "I was bored"
So true.
Wow.. So exciting.. How bout a flagship phone
McDonalds doesn't make phones :p
He's thinking of a flagship burger.... :)
No, they don't make decent food either!
I dont want a flagship phone from McDonalds
Bring it to US so I can use it with my Icon. I have never supported PMA in any way, I've tried to support Qi as far as I can.
You got the silly wrist band, we got something useful. Fair do.
UK for a change
That's good to hear
Hope more than 70 lol
Great news!!!
Damn. Why not USA :(
You got ATT pushing PMA down your throats there, all backed up by your own money on 2 year contracts
Money well spent!
Here we go... Moaning again. Jesus.... You guys got enough as it is. Always whining
Ahh that's slick!! I stop in their sometimes so that would be very interesting!
Good for my 1020!
Wow that's pretty amazing news, I have to say, I hardly use the wireless charging on my 1020 because it's not built in, but still good for people who have it built in and spend time in McDonald's!!! I don't really spend a lot of time in McDonalds, now bring them to Starbucks and I would be a lot happier!!!!
Or to Costa please.....
Unfortunately, Starbucks has already commited to providing PMA, which no one actually has built in to their device.
Maybe they will rethink their commitment since they aren't being used
I've only charged my phone using qi for almost 2 years. (Lumia 928) I will never have another phone I have to plug in.
Now bring it to every restaurant in all of Europe and maybe the States
"No timeline has been given for the rollout"