Nomad and Aira have done what Apple couldn’t — together, the two companies have created a wireless charging pad that can charge multiple devices at the same time but is flexible enough to charge anywhere from one to three devices at once. It’s called the Base Station Pro, and pre-orders will be landing in November.
It’s more than reminiscent of Apple’s ill-fated AirPower wireless charger, which was intended to charge multiple devices from a single charging pad. The project was mired in development angst and was eventually canceled in March 2019. Citing issues with creating the software required to communicate with multiple devices, and hardware problems with the charging coils themselves generating interference, it was assumed a wireless pad that could charge multiple devices at once was unlikely to surface in the next few years. After all, if Apple couldn’t do it, who could?
It turns out accessory manufacturer Nomad and tech startup Aira could. Combining their fields of expertise, the two companies have announced a massive breakthrough in wireless charging technology, with the Base Station Pro being capable of the very feat the Apple AirPower was unable to achieve — simultaneous charging of up to three devices at once.
How does it do this? Aira’s technology is key. According to a press release from Nomad, the charging itself is achieved through a single, 18 coil matrix. Apple’s AirPower reportedly ran into issues because of the presence of multiple charging coils — the Base Station Pro sidesteps that by using only a single, extended coil. Each device charge individually through Aira’s FreePower wireless charging technology, which quickly locates a device when it’s placed on the surface, and can even track movements across the pad. As it’s based on the Qi standard, it works with any phone with wireless charging capabilities, and even works with AirPods and other wireless earbuds.
It’s not bad looking either, and Nomad has leveraged its strong tradition for quality products, crafting the Base Station Pro from slate gray aluminum and a black padded leather charging surface. It’s gorgeously stylish, and it’s sure to look great wherever you place it.
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There are some limitations though. Each device can only charge at up to 5W each, making this far from the fastest way to wirelessly charge your devices. It’s also likely to be extremely expensive. Nomad has never sold inexpensive products, and the premium nature of the Base Station Pro’s build materials and cutting edge tech is likely to put quite the price tag on the device. Still, if you’d love to just drop your phone and AirPods down on a single charging pad when you walk in the door, pre-orders for the device begin on November 11, and you can register your interest on Nomad’s website now.
If you need a wireless charging pad right now, and don’t care about charging multiple devices at once, then check out our list of the best wireless chargers.