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Aug 4, 2011

The Future Death Of Batteries

Plugging stuff into the wall is so incredibly 90s.

I don't think anyone would dispute the potential awesomeness in wireless charging.  While the technology has already been proven, it's been notoriously difficult to practically implement.  You've probably seen the various forms of "powermats", flat pads upon which you can place your device for charging (pictured to the right).  The need for direct contact makes it only a marginal improvement over plug-in cables.

Fortunately the good folks over at WiTricity are here to save the day.  Aside from eliminating the need for direct contact, they've also managed to incorporate charging hubs into everyday devices like an iMac or a television.  Even though they can still only transmit power over a distances of a few feet, that's more than enough to power your wireless keyboard and mouse as well as any mobile devices placed near the hub.  That approach actually makes a lot of sense to me.  By adding wireless chargers into a few key devices around the house (television, computer,  refrigerator, etc) we could bridge the practical distance gap much faster than earlier estimates.

Check out the video below from WiTricity to see it in action.  (The good stuff happens around four minutes in.)

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