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Wireless Charging Product Reviews
Wi Power Entering The World Of Wireless Charging
Dec 31st
Wipower Power Kit Designed For engineers And Devlopers
WiPower announed today the launch of a power kit designed for engineers, product developers and researchers to evaluate, design and build wireless power system for a wide variety of applications. It is basically similar to PowerMat and Wildcharge charging mats. The main difference is that Wipower’s product comes with a full license that allows others to use the technology to develope new products. This is the reason for its high price – $4500. Wipower also provides the design documentation in a simple how-to format to make engineers life much easier. Here is what their press release says:
The Mobile Design Kit is based on WiPower’s industry leading technology which transfers power wirelessly without the need for precise alignment between the transmitter and receiver in the x,y direction and within limits in the z direction. Thus, the technology can support “through surface” use-models such as under a desk or the other side of a wall. In addition, the technology naturally supports multiple devices all at a compelling cost point. The Kit consists of a wireless power transmitter which can support applications up to 15 Watts, a wireless power receiver which can be integrated with end product, and documentation in simple how-to format that allows engineers without deep knowledge of electromagnetic principles or power electronics to create their own wireless power products. They simply USE the technology for their product. To facilitate the task of prototyping, product design, or volume manufacturing, WiPower has assembled a qualified partner network which can help the customer if desired. Finally, WiPower provides a royalty-free license for the receiver, access to white-labeled transmitters, and standard terms and conditions to facilitate a very low barrier business model for end customers.
Powermat Black Friday Giveaway Contest
Nov 30th
Powermat Along with Skatter Tech, are running a contest in which the winner takes home a 100% free Powermat package including: The Powermat Home & Office Mat ($99), iPod Touch Receiver ($39), iPod/iPhone Dock Receiver ($39), and Nintendo DSi Receiver ($29). That’s over $200 worth of free stuff! You better hurry, entries close on December 3rd!
You can find all the details Here
powermat giveaway contest
Nvidia To Release A Wireless Charging Tablet.
Nov 30th
About 2 weeks ago, Nvidia’s CEO Jen-Hsun Huang was talking to journalsits in Dubai when a mysterious photo of him along with a new tablet was taken. It turns out that this tablet is not Apple’s but actually a one Nvidia themselves are developong. It is a slick looking tablet and most propably powered by Tegra, Nvidia’s handheld system on a chip. Based on initial impressions, 720p video playback is excellent, and there’s a fairly cool wireless charging station, similar to Palm’s Touchstone. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of this device in the near future, perhaps with Google’s Chrome OS loaded into it. Here’s a video of the Tablet prototype
Wildcharge Is Now Compatible With Hundreds Of Devices
Oct 25th
Wildcharge Power Disc
Wildcharge can now fit hundreds of different devices using the Power Disc, An advanced adapter that is compatible with mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, GPS units and e-book readers.
The power disc can be used with devices that cannot be fit with cases or sleeves. So how does it work? The Power Disc is divided into 2 parts:
1. The base, which contains a magnetic pad and can be attached to the Wildcharge Charging Pad.
2. The other part of the Power Disc can be connected to 8 different, interchangable power links which then connect to your device. The Power Disc is small and lightweight and comes in a Matte black color. At the moment the powerlinks are compatible with: Nokia, Palm, Micro USB, Motorola Micro USB, Mini USB, LG, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson.
To check if the Power Disc is compatible with your device go to WildCharge website.
WiPower Introducing An Interesting Business Model
Oct 25th
WiPower, another wireless charging technology developer has come out with an interesting business model. Instead of manufacturing different wireless power products it self, it is actually licensing it’s technology to companies who are interested in developing different wireless charging or wireless power solutions in house. WiPower claims to have developed a better technology than it’s rivals, Powermat and WildCharge (Also known as PureEnergy). The main 2 differences are:
1. WiPower’s charging mat can charge up to 4 devices at once, while the Powermat solution can take up to 4 devices at a time. This is possible due to the fact the WiPower’s charging pad is made out of one magnetic surface enabling to charge a device, no matter where it is located in the pad. However, Powermat charging pad is made out of 3 seperate blocks, so when trying to charge a device, you must first find the exact location of the magnetic surface in order to start charging.
2. Low cost, simple design: Wipower technology is apprentely cheaper to manufacture, thus making the final products cheaper to the end consumer. This might be a turning point as at the moment. Powermat prices are around the $99 for a charging pad + $34 for every adapter.
2009 saw the emerge of 3 different companies trying to make it in the wireless power business, and there are more companies to follow. WiPower’s “white label” solution could me dozens of different companies developing wireless power prodcuts based on Wipower’s technology. This is good news for us a consumers: More competition means cheaper prices, better technology and a great customer service.
Wipower will be attending the CES in LAs Vegas, Nevada on January 7-10
eCoupled Technology Is The Next Generation Of Wireless Power.
Oct 24th
eCoupled Wireless Power Technology
eCoupled is developing the next generation of wireless power, allowing to wirelessly charge different devices without any physical touch. Unlike Powermat and Wildcharge, The ecoupled tehnology enables devices to be 100% wirelessly charged without the need of charging pads or mats, nor special devices sleeves or adapters.
So, how does it work? here is the explination, taken directly from eCoupled website:
“eCoupled technology uses a proprietary protocol to communicate with the devices it powers. It authorizes instantaneous identification of eCoupled-enabled devices and two-way feedback on the operation and status of the powered devices. eCoupled technology maximizes power efficiencies and transfers data between the power source and the devices. eCoupled technology immediately recognizes when any inappropriate device or object (non eCoupled-enable device) comes within range of a power source and shuts down, maintaining one of the safest operating environments in the industry. The technology also focuses power on the eCoupled-enabled devices within range, maintaining higher levels of efficiency and keeping surrounding materials, that could potentially pull power current away, safe.”
apart from wireless power, the eCoupled solutoin can also transfer data at rates of up to 1.1 Mbps.
So, how does the this technology different from other products already on the market?
2 main, and very important reasons:
1. The eCoupled solution totally terminates the need of powercords and adapters as well as the physical proximity of the device to the charging pad/base. All current solutions like Powermat and Blackberry’s touchstone require the charged devices to actually be in physical touch with the charging base. With the eCoupled technology, you can actually move from one room to another and your device will still get charged.
2. The solution will also enable data transfer so we’re actually 2 different soution in 1 device.
However, not everything is so perfect. The eCoupled will have to be recognized as a standard with all manufactures as the devices will have to leave the factory already eCoupled enabled. This is a pretty big problem as deciding on a universal protocol has always been tough (ie: Look at all the differnt phone chargers there are on the market).
But the eCoupled solution is deffintaly much better than the current solutions offered.
Powermat Goes On Sale In The UK
Oct 23rd
Powermat, the second largest manufacturer of Wireless Charging solutions can now be purchased in the UK.
Powermat also announced the price of the different charging pads and cases.
The Powermat charging pad for home & office use will cost £70 while the portable version will be a bit more expensive, retailing for £80.
The iPhone cases will cost £40 and the Blackberry sleeves will sale for £30.
If you don’t own any of these devices and want to use the Powermat for any other device, you can purchase the powercube which comes with 8 adapters including a mini USB port Nokia, LG, Samsung and Sony Ericsson phones as well as the Sony PSP. However, the Powercube is only compatible with the recent Nokia models that use 2mm chargers.
Wirelessly Charging Car While On The Go. Possible?
Oct 22nd
A German company called IAV just registered a patnet on a system that enables the charging of cars while on the go. The system works on induction charging, similar to other, smaller wireless charging systems like Powermat. The discussed system will have 2 parts:
1. an embedded, recessed wireless charging strip that will be located underground, beneath the road.
2. A charger located on the bottom of the vehicle.
The system will use magnetic field to charge the vehicle on the go.
This kind of patnet, if indeed possible, can change the car industry forever, and the developing electric car industry in particualr.
At the moment, electric cars can only be charged using a power outlet or replacable batteries. Having the possibility of charging our cars while driving can make the current technology useless!
However, the development of such system will cost billions in infrastracture, as every road on the face of the earth will have to be digged and upgraded. For example, in the US alone, there are more than 5.7 million miles of paved road. Not an easy task at all. Question is, will goverments be willing to pay?
Palm Pre To Use Touchstone Wireless Charging
Oct 20th
Palm Pre Touchstone Back cover
Palm Pre Touchstone Charging Dock
Palm Pre, the iPhone fierest enemy, and one of the most popular smartphones on the market, is now available with wireless charging.
The Palm Pre is using the Touchstone to wirelessly charge the device.
Once placing the Palm Pre phone on the Palm Touchstone Charging Dock, it magnetically snaps into place, and begins charging. It’s simpler than plugging into a standard power charger.
Requires Palm Pre Touchstone Back Cover. International Power Charger provided with Pre is also required for use. Each additional Charging Dock requires its own Power Charger.
Berkline To Introduce A Recliner With Wireless Charging
Oct 20th
Berkline Concert Series Recliner
Berkline, one of the world’s biggest Sofas and recliners Manufactures will be introducing in select motion furniture its new eCoupled technology option-a wireless charging station for electronic devices including cell phones, MP3 players, and laptops.
Developed by Fulton Innovation, it eliminates the need for power cords by
creating an electromagnetic conduit combined with an intelligent control system
that constantly monitors power flow so various devices from different
manufactures can charge at the same time.
eCoupled technology is also safe for electronic devices because it provides only
the amount of power needed to keep a device at peak energy levels, so there is
no risk of overcharging. While the number of devices compatible with this
technology is limited, Berkline expects that more and more brands will move
toward incorporating the ability to connect to the eCoupled function.