Ready for another patent war? Apple 'invents' wireless charging (opens in new tab)

Much ado about nothing for now, this is about Apple's "application" for the patent. The possibility of a patent war depends on Apple's claim, if they get the patent at all, since there are clearly already examples of said technology. If Apple claims that their patent doesn't just cover the ability to charge certain devices up to a meter away but also covers "all devices" charging up to a meter away then there might be a problem.

Without reading Apple's claims, I would assume this covers the actual physical technology they're using to charge a device up to a meter away that's actually different than current technology on the market that cannot charge at such distances. If that's the situation, I don't see a problem with Apple's patent application.

Tesla will not be impressed. I would also question the patent given that it uses radio and mearly renames things like `magnetic loop` for a the coiled wire.

I can understand why Apple do these types of patents, but I fail to understand how they get approved. Patent clerks are not paid enough is my first thought. This and the obviscation levels they utilise to make what is known too appear as something new only adds to the situation.

Sadly I would not be supprised if Apple then retrospectivly tries to get the Nexus 4 taken of the market as it has wireless charging. Ironic given all phones have a radio which takes a magnetic signal and converts into electricity in some way already!

I'm almost completely sure the Nexus 4 also does wireless charging. The kind of wireless charging where the phone must be on the charging pad.

Is this article discussing the "across the room" type of wireless charging?

I can't wait until we get public participate into the patent process. Not that I will participate, but that corporations will have an army of paid people fighting and defending for the public good (and their own good).

To the register "journalist" who wrote this piece.

No I'm not, and id like to believe were not too. I don't care whether or not Apple, Google, or Any other company for that matter decides to do business as usual, and fight their interests in courts around the world.

However, I think, it matters to you. As this subject just instantly catches on fire in forums like this. Matters because you need our clicks to more easily sell your ads.

So please, keep your flaming articles off places like HN, and find your clicks elsewhere. We have more important business to discuss. Thanks.

Yours truly, the wildranter.