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Wireless Charging Product Reviews
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
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.
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.
Powermat Vs. Wildcharge. And The Winner Is…
Oct 15th
Founded in 2006, Wildcharge has been on the market around 2 years longer than Powermat, which introduced it’s products only 2 weeks ago. However, both companies offer exactly the same service: Wirelessly charging different gadgets and devices like cellphones, PDA’s, game consoles like Nintendo DS and PSP as well as MP3 players like the iPod.
Both companies have developed their products based on Inductive Charging Technology that uses magnetic fields to wirelessly charge electrical devices.
The way it is being done is exactly the same with both companies: A charging pad on one side, which is connected to a power outlet, and a receiver on the other side, connected to an electrical device. Once the device is placed on the charging pad, it will automatically start charging.
So what is the difference between Powermat and Wildcharge? Mostly the design of products and the ease of use. Probably the most important difference is the compability of the pads to devices that are already on the market, and to those who will be launched soon. While the Wildcharge pad is only compatible with few hundred devices, the powermat can be used with more than 300,000,000 devices!!!, Yes this number is correct. Three hundred million devices. There are some differences in price as well, with the Powermat being more expensive. However we believe Powermat will drop their prices very soon if they want to compete with other products on the market.
Duracell also launched their own wireless charging pad called Mygrid but it is simply a licensed Wildcharge product. Our review is focused mainly on the charging pad and it’s capabilities as the power sleeves or charging cases are exactly the same with both companies.
Bottom line: Both products are almost identical but our winner is the Powermat for 2 main reasons:
1. It is compatible with so many devices that we find it hard to believe you’ll ever need to purchase a special adapter.
2. Design: The Powermat looks better. Period. it slick, smooth look makes it a great add on to your work desk or TV stand.
The Wildcharge does give a fight back in one aspect, an important one: The price. Currently priced at $49.99 (Pad only), It is 50$ cheaper than Powermat which is priced at a $99.99 a pad. Again, we do believe prices will drop very soon.
Dimensions
Powermat: 13.5″ x 2.5″ x 0.6 inches”
Wildcharge: 7.87″ x 6.3″ x 0.6″
Weight
Powermat: 1.3 Pounds
Wildcharge: 0.9 Pounds
Output
Powermat: 15 watts
Wildcharge: 15 watts
Compatible with
Powermat: It’s amazing, but Powermat supports more than 300,000,000!!! (That’s three hundred million) Devices. So obviously we cannot list them all but main ones include: iPhone, Blackberry, iPod, Nintendo, LG, HTC and more and more… this is possible thanks to the powercube that comes as standard with all Powermat pads. This allows you to wirelessly charge almost any device currently available on the market, using a USB and a micro USB ports.
Wildcharge: Currently compatible with Apple, Blackberryand Motorola. You can however, purchase a universal adapter that is compatible with Nokia and HTC devices. Another adapter is compatible with LG, Samsung, sony Ericson, Palm and… that’s about it.
Price
Wildcharge: $49.99 (Pad Only)
Powermat: $99.99 (Pad Only)
Duracell Introducing: MyGrid
Oct 15th
Duracell have just announced the launch of MyGrid, a wireless charging pad that will be compatible with Apple, Blackberry, Motorola and Nokia products.
MyGrid is actually a licensed product of Wildcharge tough no mention is made from Duracell of Wildcharge about it.
The charging pad works on the same technology as Wildcharge or Powermat.
The kit will come equipped with one charging pad and one power sleeve to fit your favorite gadget.
Mygrid kit is priced at $84.99 and can be purchased through Amazon.com
What Is Resonance Charging?
Oct 14th
Resonance charging is a wireless charging method for items that require large amounts of power, such as an electric car, robot, vacuum cleaner or laptop computer. The method works over small distances in the range of 2-4 meters. It’s been known for scientists that resonance causes objects to reverberate when energy of a certain frequency or pitch is applied. when used in charging, 2 copper coils are used. one coil which is attached to a power source is the unit sending out waves.
the other coil is attached to an electrical device which is used as the receiving unit. in order to work, both coild must be tuned to the same frequency. Once objects of the same resonant frequency are placed close to each other, the energy produced is used to power the electrical device. Here’s an example of resonance charging used to deliver power to the battery of an electric car: The garage and car would both be equipped with copper coils. The garage would contain the transmitter, while the car would be equipped with the receiver. The transmitter supplies the room with a non-radioactive magnetic field. This field will adjust the power transfer, producing a powerful correlation between the sending and receiving unit and, as a result, delivering a charge to the car’s battery.
Resonance can also be used for wireless power rather than wireless charging. For example, a laptop equipped with a receiving unit and in the same room as the sending unit could receive an automatic charge as a constant flow of energy and not require the use of its own battery.
What Is Radio Charging?
Oct 14th
Radio charging is a wireless charging method used to charge electrical devices and other items that uses small batteries to work. It is mostly common used in watches, hearing aids, medical implants and other devices.
Radio waves have been used for hundred of years and are used to tansfer television, Wi-Fi and radio signals.They work similarly for electrical transmission. A radio wave, once transmitted, propogates in all directions until it reaches an antenna tuned to the proper frequency to receive it. Here’s one example of how that capacity is used for radio charging:
A company called Powercast has devised two units used to transmit and receive radio waves for energy. The transmitter, called the “Powercaster,” sends a low-power radio wave at a fixed frequency. The receiver, called the “Powerharvester” can be affixed to any low-power device. When the Powerharvester is set to the same frequency as the Powercaster, it will power the device and will charge the unit’s battery.
What Is Inductive Charging?
Oct 14th
Iductive charging is a wireless charging method that is used for small to mid-sized items like smart phones, mobile phones, laptops and game consoles. It can also be used for electric totthbrushes, shaving machines and any other small electrical device.
the basis of the technology is pretty simple. an adapter equipped with contact points is attached to an electrical device body, usually in the back of the device, using a specially designed case. When the device requires a charge, it is placed on a conductive charging pad. the pad is connected to noraml power outlet using an adapter.Once the contact points come in contact with the conductive surface of the charging pad, a small current moves through the coils of the charging pad, creating a small magnetic field which is gathered by the contact points of the adapter and converted into energy. The energy gathered is transferred to the device’s battery as efficiently as if the device were connected to a wall socket with its regular wired adapter.