7. Wireless power chargers

Posted on 15 Apr 2009 at 11:43

The idea of charging a mobile device using a wireless signal has finally resulted in real products that will start shipping this year. Originally, the concept was an in-joke between techie elites - ThinkGeek.com even had a mock product for charging devices wirelessly. Yet, it isn't only possible, it saves time in having to connect a device to a charger: you simply set your phone or MP3 player on a pad.

Convenient Power has developed a Dual Charger pad that uses a vertical flux to transmit a "fountain of energy" to a receiver. A coil inside the transmitter sends a power signal to a coil inside the receiver, which is either attached to the phone or embedded into the device.

Camille Tang, CFO of Convenient Power, claims that wireless power will become commonplace once the standards are approved. "People will be able to charge any of their devices on a common charging platform - that is, devices of different brands, models, and power ratings," said Tang.

One of the big challenges for wireless power is controlling heat, especially if used for lighting in a room, stereos, game consoles and other gear. This is truly hot technology.

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Author: John Brandon