At CES, Energous has been demonstrating WattUp (via Engadget) -- a truly wireless charging technology that can power device up to 30 feet away. WattUp is different from current wireless charging systems that usually require a charging pad you have to put your device on to charge. Instead, WattUp can charge your phone or wearable product from up to 30 feet away.
Energous' system is called WattUp, and it works using a mix of RF, Bluetooth and a lot of patent-pending technology. The transmitter is where most of the magic happens. It communicates with and locates compatible devices using low-energy Bluetooth. Once they've established contact with a device, they send out focused RF signals on the same bands as WiFi that are then absorbed and converted into DC power by a tiny chip embedded in the device. These transmitters can be built into household appliances, TVs, speakers and standalone "energy routers."
Multiple WattUps can be placed in a home allowing for seamless charging to all your devices. WattUp is controlled by an iPad app which helps determine which devices receive power and at what priority. Energous hopes future versions will detect charge levels of devices, and beam power to them as needed.
The company notes that it wants to license the technology to manufacturers such as Apple. If Apple were to adopt such a technology, you could wireless charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad throughout your home, without ever plugging it in.
Energous' system is called WattUp, and it works using a mix of RF, Bluetooth and a lot of patent-pending technology. The transmitter is where most of the magic happens. It communicates with and locates compatible devices using low-energy Bluetooth. Once they've established contact with a device, they send out focused RF signals on the same bands as WiFi that are then absorbed and converted into DC power by a tiny chip embedded in the device. These transmitters can be built into household appliances, TVs, speakers and standalone "energy routers."
Multiple WattUps can be placed in a home allowing for seamless charging to all your devices. WattUp is controlled by an iPad app which helps determine which devices receive power and at what priority. Energous hopes future versions will detect charge levels of devices, and beam power to them as needed.
The company notes that it wants to license the technology to manufacturers such as Apple. If Apple were to adopt such a technology, you could wireless charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad throughout your home, without ever plugging it in.