The only annoying thing about all of those portable electronics is that each one requires some type of charging cable, making for a pretty big wired mess. And because so many people in the house have so many devices, sometimes those cables and cords aren’t readily available.
Energous Corporation is looking to cut the cord and the clutter with WattUp. This is the company’s wire-free charging technology, designed to deliver power at a distance for all of your electronic devices.
This is a really interesting development. Not only does wireless charging clear up some of that cable clutter, but it puts all of those charging capabilities under full software control. And it allows you to be mobile, wandering the house, all while charging up your favorite portable.
The WattUp system includes a transmitter and receivers, which communicate using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The actual power is delivered via the same radio bands as a WiFi router. Those same receivers then convert the radio waves into DC power to charge up the receiver’s battery. However, it’s important to note that the transmitters will only send power when it’s needed—and requested by those devices.
The software allows WattUp to determine which devices receive power and when, as well as which ones have priority. That power can also be managed remotely, delivering the goods to up to 12 devices (only up to four simultaneously, though), all within a 15-foot radius.
Right now, Energous Corporation is looking to license WattUp technology to the wearable and mobile-accessory markets, with plans to expand to WiFi routers and smartphones over time. The company attracted a good deal of buzz (and “Best of” awards) at the recent 2015 International CES, so stay tuned for updates.
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