Switched has a new home! Huffpost Tech.

Click here to visit the new home of Switched!

Hot on HuffPost Tech:

See More Stories
AOL Tech

Do Wireless Chargers Really Work?

by Nilay Patel on July 24, 2008 at 10:44 AM


We've seen quite a few induction-based "wireless power" systems make the scene, and while the idea is interesting both in theory and prototype, actually getting it to market has proven to be quite difficult, with some casualties along the way. That's why we're a little wary of new claims by Israel's Powermat, Ltd. that it's ready to go with tech that'll turn "any surface" into a power source. Well, that, and the PR image it sent us has the iPod charging screen Photoshopped onto every device pictured, including a first-gen RAZR and an N95.

Oh, and the company claims that embedding PowerMat in sheet rock eliminates the need for outlets entirely, but we're not at all sure how that's supposed to work -- do you have to hold your devices against the wall all night? Add to that the interesting claims that Powermat's tech delivers energy in "real time," and that it "completely eliminates the potential for electrical fires," and we're in full put-up-or-shut-up mode over here. Think you can top the wireless hamburger, Powermat? [Source: Powermat]

Tags: powermat, wireless, wireless charging, wireless power, WirelessCharging, wirelessly charging, WirelesslyCharging, WirelessPower

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular