Samsung’s SE370 monitor doubles up as a wireless battery charger for smartphones
28 Jul 2015
Samsung has created the SE370, the world's first computer monitor that could double up as a wireless battery charger for a smartphone, tablet or even a smartwatch.
The monitor would be available in two display sizes-23 inches and 27 inches and packs several technological features to cut eye strain and improve performance.
For instance, it uses AMD's FreeSync technology so that it refreshes at the same rate as the computer's graphics card (provided it too was AMD) for a slicker, more immersive gaming experience.
The monitor also comes with a 4-milisecond response time to cut blur or 'ghosting' to a minimum and also a system for cutting exposure to blue light for those that need to burn the midnight oil.
However, it was the inclusion of a wireless charger for the Qi standard that made the monitor unique. "Technology should support, not interfere with, active lifestyles. Our customers increasingly rely on mobile devices to obtain information and interact with others; so by doing away with the clutter on their desks, we are helping them to use their mobile devices in a smarter way," said Seok-gi Kim, senior vice president, visual display business at Samsung Electronics, AFP Relaxnews reported.
All Qi-enabled devices, including Samsung, HTC and Sony smartphones, can be charged with the use of the monitor. Apple is the only major smartphone manufacturer that does not offer wireless charging capabilities within its devices.
Enabled device need to be placed on a pad to trigger automatic charging, eliminating the need to plug in a cable.
Samsung had released a number of wireless charging pads earlier, but the SE370 was the first time the technology has been integrated into an existing product.
Wireless charging pads make use of transmitter and receiver coils for generating a magnetic field which induces a voltage in the receiver coil.
The voltage could then power a smartphone or recharge its battery simply by resting a phone on the pad. Once placed on the pad, a notification popped up to alert the user the device was charging.
The monitor has full compatibility with the forthcoming Windows 10. It has a 178-degree viewing angle and a resolution of 1920 x 1080.
