Wires. They're crap, aren't they?
Ever since we started making technology that required plugging in, linking up and connecting, technologists have been hard at working getting rid of the forest of cables that can clutter the average office, home and lab.
The latest wire to get the snip is the mobile phone charging cable, with newer handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy S6 incorporating wireless charging functions as standard. And now Samsung has starting rolling out a new set of hardware that'll make wireless charging far more practical.
The Samsung SE370 (catchy) is a new range of HD computer monitors that incorporates a Qi wireless charging unit into the base of the monitor. Rather than plugging in your phone to top up the juice, laying it on the small circular pad in the base will begin charging its batteries.
It's a neat trick on two fronts: as well as getting rid of unsightly cables (we're not that bothered by them either), the monitor could introduce new charging habits that extend the battery life of your phone.
The majority of phone users plug their mobiles in to charge overnight - a process that can seriously shorten a phone's battery life. Mobile battery cells typically only require between two and four hours' worth of charging to reach 100 percent - if you regularly keep it plugged in overnight, it'll start chipping away at its maximum capacity. The best course of action is actually to turn your phone off overnight, and give its battery a break. Right now, wireless charging might sound like a gimmick, but it's going to become a lot more commonplace once more handsets and gadgets start shipping with it.
For the other features bundled into the SE370 (yeah, that name just isn't going to catch on is it?) check out the following video. There's no word on release date or pricing just yet, but expect it early 2016.
