Back in February, we reported that the wireless charging dock for the LG Nexus 4 was likely to ship sometime this month, as long as Google wasn’t too busy trying to fulfill orders for the actual device to worry about the accessories. While Nexus 4 shipments still require a wait of a few weeks, Google has managed to put the official LG Nexus 4 wireless charging orb for sale on the Play Store, saying that it will ship in less than one week.
The orb itself is more or less what we have been expecting and have seen leaked before, a relatively small half sphere with a single microUSB port. Reminiscent of the Nexus Q, the orb is classy and matte black, something that won’t be out of place on a bedside table or CEO’s desk. It charges the Nexus 4 relatively quickly at about four hours for a complete charge, and based on some very scientific testing with spare magnets it looks like the Nexus 4 has magnets under the back cover to align it with the dock.
The retail price for the orb is $59.99, which seems like quite a bit of money when a $1 microUSB cable would work nearly as well. However, compared to other Qi charges on Amazon, the price isn’t too outlandish, especially for a charger that is made specifically for a certain device. Of course, that means that it won’t work as well with other Qi-enabled devices as a more generic flat pad, but for dedicated Nexus owners the name and design might just make it worth buying. I certainly want one, but until I figure out my Nexus 7 situation, I don’t think I’ll put down the cash.
[Google Play]
