Apple's AirPower charging mat may be a no-show, but
that doesn't mean you're out of luck if you want a multi-device charger from a
big-name brand. Entries at both the FCC and the Wireless Power Consortium have
revealed that AT&T is working on the Power Drum, a portable wireless
charger and battery bank meant to top up both an Apple Watch and a recent
iPhone (or really, any Qi-compatible smartphone). While the concept isn't
completely novel, it's very compact -- the biggest issue is the 3,000mAh
battery, which could handle an overnight stay but not much more.
The hardware will offer speedier 10W wireless
charging for phones that can handle it (officially, Samsung devices), although
it can dial back to the 7.5W that iPhones support.
There's no mention of when the Power Drum would
ship, but AT&T's own documentation has the accessory selling for US$ 100. The
carrier is clearly betting that the two-in-one role and name recognition will
justify the price to people who'd either have to find an alternative online or
buy two gadgets.
