Inductive Charging on Verizon Model, Only?

**npompei** · 07-17-2012, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by robrecht

No idea of ETA:

If that chick isn't engaged someone needs to get on that money train!

Galaxy S3 - Locked...

**undeniablyd** · 07-31-2012, 01:42 AM

Verizon now sells the back cover for the Galaxy S 3, I picked one up at a corporate store for $30.00. I'ts slightly thicker than the stock back panel as a result of additional components and does not fit in most aftermarket Galaxy S 3 cases (Verizon black kickstand holster and cruzer gel cases are a no go.) However the Pebble blue version has a slitghtly richer color and definately has a sturdy feel over the stock back panel.

**jaebberwock** · 07-31-2012, 02:19 AM

Really? I can't find it anywhere on the verizon website. I will have to go and check out the store tomorrow.

**WhoMe** · 08-04-2012, 06:18 AM

Breaking news.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

**ab304945** · 08-04-2012, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by Tampaguy75

I was reading the Engadget review of the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 (see link above), and it said something interesting:

"You're going to see one key difference here that doesn't apply to the other Galaxy S3 models we've reviewed thus far: a set of shiny contacts for inductive charging. Verizon's been purveying of wireless power for over a year now by incorporating golden contacts into almost every LTE phone in its lineup. Aside from this unique feature, everything else remains the same as its GSM counterparts (Sprint's GSIII is different in that it utilizes an embedded SIM card)."

I was thinking that ALL Samsung Galaxy S3 phones would have some kind of wireless charging capability. Is it that the Verizon model will have the traditional inductive charging as well as the "resonance" wireless capability that was touted at the Samsung Galaxy S3 "Reveal" Event?

All the gs3 has that.my sprint version has those contacts

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**Tampaguy75** · 08-05-2012, 07:55 AM

Attached is a photo of the Verizon inductive back cover, which shows connection points to both the Verizon exclusive contacts as well as the standard contacts that are featured on all Galaxy S3 phones. I presume the Verizon back cover is fabricated this way so that the cover will work with Verizon specific inductive chargers as well as the ones that will be coming out from Samsung.

**MBSMD** · 08-05-2012, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by undeniablyd

Verizon now sells the back cover for the Galaxy S 3, I picked one up at a corporate store for $30.00. I'ts slightly thicker than the stock back panel as a result of additional components and does not fit in most aftermarket Galaxy S 3 cases (Verizon black kickstand holster and cruzer gel cases are a no go.) However the Pebble blue version has a slitghtly richer color and definately has a sturdy feel over the stock back panel.

I just bought one, too. Haven't had a chance to try out the charging pad yet but the new back is definitely a bit thicker and adds a small but noticeable amount of weight. I'm sure I'll get used to it in no time but I was surprised at first. I'll report back on how well it works.

**tperry** · 08-06-2012, 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by MBSMD

I just bought one, too. Haven't had a chance to try out the charging pad yet but the new back is definitely a bit thicker and adds a small but noticeable amount of weight. I'm sure I'll get used to it in no time but I was surprised at first. I'll report back on how well it works.

Works good except for the pop up that appears each time you place it on the charge pad. I like the fact that it adds some weight to the phone (makes it feel "more solid" and not as plasticy).

TAPPED in on my locked bootloader Verizon S3

**WhoMe** · 08-06-2012, 12:59 PM

I might buy one...but Im using a slim fitting rock case that I really really like. I dont know that I want to give that up to buy this. I already have the charging pad that Ive used with my last two phones.....Hmmm.

**Dunbar42** · 08-06-2012, 04:05 PM

I do want one of these but if it requires a new case that's kind of annoying.

**hakoreh** · 08-06-2012, 05:29 PM

what I need is a CASE that will also charge the battery. Because who wants to take their phone out of the snug fitting case every time to charge it?

**Tampaguy75** · 08-06-2012, 07:11 PM

To those who are concerned about cases -- if you do buy the inductive back cover, you will probably not be able to use your existing case -- the phone gets a little thicker and renders most cases unusable.

The inductive charger will work with a case installed, though. So if your case fits, it will charge without having to remove it.

**rickmktg** · 08-07-2012, 08:33 AM

In addition to my Galaxy S3, I have an HP Touchpad hacked with Android, and an HP Touchstone charging dock (for the Touchpad, see attachment). This isn't the Touchstone that works with Palm Pre phones.

I see that Verizon is/will be selling both a cover that hits both sets of contacts as well as their own charging pad, which I've read makes annoying beeps when it starts charging, and when the phone is fully charged (i.e. 2, 3 AM). Then it sometimes turns off, then turns back on an hour or two later when the phone is charged and beeps again. Or, doesn't turn back on and the phone discharges.

What I'm wondering, and not easily finding an answer, is whether the Touchstone dock is compatible with the Verizon backplate, i.e. I put on that back cover and then put my phone on my Touchstone dock (which doesn't beep...).

I've found info on the Qi standard, it appears that the Touchstone doesn't comply with it, but I can't find info on what standard Verizon's back cover is.

**MBSMD** · 08-07-2012, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by tdperry

Works good except for the pop up that appears each time you place it on the charge pad. I like the fact that it adds some weight to the phone (makes it feel "more solid" and not as plasticy).

TAPPED in on my locked bootloader Verizon S3

The pop up goes away by itself, so I simply ignore it. What I don't need is the high-pitched beep the charging pad emits when I set the phone down on it (but I do see *why* they made it like that - if the phone is on silent and you don't notice the screen come on, it's possible to miss the sweet spot and not get the phone in the right place to charge).

I think it's a cool feature but I'm not 100% convinced yet that it's worth the expense and the inability to use most phone cases. But it is nice to be able to quickly set the phone down, charge, and pick it up & go without worrying about cables, stressing the USB port, having someone trip over cords, and everything else you can think of when you've got a cable dangling off the end of your phone.

I may put a skin on the battery door - like a Zagg or Ghost Armor - to add some durability and grip to the back cover since I don't have a case that fits. Not sure I'm totally ready to go buck naked on this phone yet.

**MBSMD** · 08-07-2012, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by rickmktg

In addition to my Galaxy S3, I have an HP Touchpad hacked with Android, and an HP Touchstone charging dock (for the Touchpad, see attachment). This isn't the Touchstone that works with Palm Pre phones.

I see that Verizon is/will be selling both a cover that hits both sets of contacts as well as their own charging pad, which I've read makes annoying beeps when it starts charging, and when the phone is fully charged (i.e. 2, 3 AM). Then it sometimes turns off, then turns back on an hour or two later when the phone is charged and beeps again. Or, doesn't turn back on and the phone discharges.

What I'm wondering, and not easily finding an answer, is whether the Touchstone dock is compatible with the Verizon backplate, i.e. I put on that back cover and then put my phone on my Touchstone dock (which doesn't beep...).

I've found info on the Qi standard, it appears that the Touchstone doesn't comply with it, but I can't find info on what standard Verizon's back cover is.

I haven't tested to see if the charging pad beeps when charging is complete (apparently if it does I've slept through it). I'll try to find some time to test it out.

I haven't read anywhere yet what the difference is between Verizon's solution and Samsung's solution, or why the VZW model seems to have two sets of charging contacts. The new battery door clearly appears to be made by Samsung, so my best guess is that the Verizon model has support for two different charging standards - one for whatever Verizon was already selling for their other phones and one for Samsung's upcoming wireless charge products.

So unless the upcoming generic Samsung wireless charger battery cover for the GS3 is significantly thinner than the Verizon version of the battery cover, the Verizon solution seems like the best choice as it would likely work with the widest variety of charging plates.

All speculation though for now.

**jimbo1mcm** · 08-07-2012, 10:25 AM

Just called Verizon and they checked and said the wireless back cover is not in stock in any distribution centers as of today. She did find the sku for the blue back cover. I will be notified when it comes in. Samsung and Zens will probably be arriving at the same time. If you look you might find it in a corporate store.

**MBSMD** · 08-07-2012, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by jimbomcm

Just called Verizon and they checked and said the wireless back cover is not in stock in any distribution centers as of today. She did find the sku for the blue back cover. I will be notified when it comes in. Samsung and Zens will probably be arriving at the same time. If you look you might find it in a corporate store.

Perhaps they're selling better than we thought - even with basically no advertising. The store I went to had 4 each of blue and white battery doors on the accessory rack but only one charging pad in stock.

**Neotravy** · 08-08-2012, 10:15 AM

Hey guys,

I got this and I REALLY want to keep it but the no-case thing is really a deal breaker.

I ordered an extended battery case yesterday to see if it works with the back. I'll report back if it works. If not, this goes back.

**duanedude1** · 08-09-2012, 12:11 AM

I don't have the charging pad or charging back. I had an idea for someone braver than me.

I was wondering if we could remove the charging coil from the official back (or from a Palm Pre-like was tried before in another thread). Then we could mount the coil inside a TPU case, then use that case without any phone back cover at all. I removed my standard back and the TPU case seems to fit the phone well without it. The TPU case is semi-transparent, so it looks like a see-thru back. There may be enough space in there if the phone is used backless, between the phone and the TPU case. There might even be room for metal or magnets to use a Palm Touchstone for alignment. Would have to make sure the contacts do not move and the battery does not come loose. Have to be sure the case does not come loose either. Does this seem possible, or likely to cause more problems than it is worth?

**charlier180** · 08-09-2012, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by Tampaguy75

To those who are concerned about cases -- if you do buy the inductive back cover, you will probably not be able to use your existing case -- the phone gets a little thicker and renders most cases unusable.

The inductive charger will work with a case installed, though. So if your case fits, it will charge without having to remove it.

I would really like to have the wireless charger for my S3 but it I have to give up my case then I guess Verizon, Samsung or Powermat will not get my sale. Time will tell I guess.

**lembowski** · 08-09-2012, 01:52 PM

Called the corp store and a few 3rd parties around me and they have not yet received these doors yet

**charlier180** · 08-10-2012, 07:44 AM

A few hours after my last post yesterday I found a local Verizon store that had the new back covers that support inductive charging (in both colors). For those who are interested, as I suspected, an S3 with the inductive back cover on it will NOT fit in an Otterbox Defender case. The people at the Verizon store were very nice and let me try it before buying it.

Hopefully, the wireless charging that Samsung will be introducing in the not too distant future is not just a rehash of the current inductive charging technology with these same covers. I think many of us need a wireless charging solution that will work with our current cases and not require a special case or require us to remove our S3s from our current case to charge our phones.

**WhoMe** · 08-10-2012, 09:12 AM

Ive decided to pass on the inductive back, I like my case too much and its not worth the added cost to me, counting the money lost on the case.

That being said for those that dont use a case and find themselves in a "use case" that involves picking up and putting down your phone multiple times a day...this is it. I know it sounds like a small thing but not having to physically plug in your phone in a situation like this makes it a very easy and thoughtless way of keeping your phone topped off.

Im selling my charging pad, itll be up on the forum marketplace tonight, but PM if interested.

**Neotravy** · 08-10-2012, 10:49 AM

I think my extended case comes in today. I have some caveats tho.

If the case doesn't fit my new iBolt car dock, the charger goes back.

If the case doesn't fit the wireless charging back, the charger goes back.

Basically there is only a slim chance that I will keep the charger. It's unfortunate because I love the idea. I already had to give up a kickstand (built into my case) for this extended case but if either of the two top apply, back to Verizon it goes.

**Ceetar** · 08-10-2012, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by charlier180

I would really like to have the wireless charger for my S3 but it I have to give up my case then I guess Verizon, Samsung or Powermat will not get my sale. Time will tell I guess.

Same. I'm sure my case would fit, I'm using a silicone one that looks like the original Game Boy, but I'm also sure the charge wouldn't go through that and taking it off and on would be as annoying as fiddling with a cable anyway.