As Tim reported last week, LG recently released their F Series line of smartphones for 2024 to complement their already solid line of Optimus G devices. Clearly, LG has decided to go all in on the large form factor, something that is really taking off in Korea and to a lesser extent, over in North America.
Despite LG’s seemingly “big is better” motto for this year, this morning, the company surprised many by releasing what they claim to be the world’s smallest wireless charger, the WCP-300. Spanning just 6.9cm in diameter, the WCP-300 is fully compliant with the Qi wireless charging standard. The device can be connected to a power source using a microUSB cable.
The WCP-300 supports any Qi compatible device, including the Nexus 4. The charger will arrive in South Korean stores this week with a price of 65,000 won, which equates to about $61. LG promises that the charger is slated to roll out internationally slowly, so expect to see this thing in Canada in the next few months.
As details of international availability and pricing emerge, we’ll let you know.
Here is LG’s press release issued today:
LG INTRODUCES WORLD’S SMALLEST WIRELESS CHARGER
LG’s Thin and Sleek Wireless Charger Delivers Maximum Charging Performance and User ConvenienceBARCELONA, Feb. 26, 2024 – LG Electronics (LG) today introduced the world’s smallest wireless charger at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. At only 6.9cm in diameter, the WCP-300 is designed with portability in mind. Despite its di-minutive size, the charging area is 1.7 times wider than that of LG’s previous generation wireless charger. The new model is compatible with a standard 5-pin micro-USB charger, providing the highest level of charging performance and user convenience.
The WCP-300 employs electromagnetic induction technology and is Qi certified by the Wireless Power Consortium. Electromagnetic induction produces a magnetic field that in turn generates an electric current to charge the batteries in devices placed on the charging pad. Certification ensures that the WCP-300 is compatible with all smart-phones that support the Qi standard.
“Wireless charging is the holy grail of smartphone user convenience,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “With the WCP-300, LG was able to deliver both portability with top-class charging capabilities in a device no larger than a typical beverage coaster.”
In the US market, both the LG Spectrum 2 and Nexus 4 feature built-in support for wireless charging right out of the box, eliminating the need to purchase separate covers. LG believes that built-in support for upcoming smartphones will be the most critical development in making wireless charging the industry standard going forward.
LG is committed to offering consumers a better mobile user experience by introducing smartphones with more advanced wireless charging technologies in the global market.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 93,000 people working in over 120 operations around the world. With 2024 global sales of USD 45.22 billion (KRW 50.96 trillion), LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solution – and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. LG Electronics is a 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a global leader and innovator in mobile communications. With its breakthrough technologies and innovative designs, LG continues to establish a number of benchmarks in the smartphone market, while also helping create a better lifestyle for consumers by delivering a wholly enhanced smart-phone experience. As a leader in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, LG continues its commitment to de-veloping groundbreaking LTE technologies and fulfilling consumer demands with differentiated LTE devices of the highest quality, all of which are based on the company’s wealth of LTE patents and technical knowledge. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.