UPDATE: now available to buy online in the UK for £69.95.
Wireless charging is getting closer, the idea has been around for a while but it looks like by the end of this year it will be real.
What Is It?
The Powermat is as the name suggests a mat with power, that lets you wirelessly charge 3-6 devices simultaneously. Charging of the devices will occur at the same speed as if you were charging it with its own charger. Only one wire, no mess, it’s so simple (wow I sounded like a marketing guy then! Sorry).
How It Works
The mat has a lead coming from it which you plug into your socket, then on the mat you place your devices and they charge. So if you’re charging 4 devices, instead of 4 plugs, you only have 1! To see a demonstration check out this video:
How Could This Change Things?
For a start it will mean goodbye to some of those big ugly multiplugs around the home. I have one next to my foot right now which my laptop is plugged into, it really wouldn’t be missed if it was replaced by a sleek thin mat. I also have a phone charger down the side of my bed, that would be gone as well!
Cheaper Products Because No Need For A Charger?
Maybe one day (say 10 years from now?) manufacturers will stop supplying phone chargers as standard when you get a new phone. And if you wanted one you could just buy it separate. Heck, if so many people buy these wireless chargers so many devices won’t need to come with chargers, surely then all these products will be cheaper!?!
Conclusion – It’s Going To Be Big
The thing I love is this isn’t some half arsed product, the product looks awesome and Powermat company look incredibly professional. And the amount of different devices you can put on the mat is brilliant. As long as the price is right they should sell like crazy.
Roll on Q4 2009….
Product Info Source: CG
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January 11th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
How efficient is it ?
January 11th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I saw it at the CES and I gotta say, it does look great. with all the different chargers and all the wires, I can’t remember most of the time which goes where.
January 11th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I like the idea of being able to charge all the devices at the same time in one place. And don’t get me started about the wires!
January 11th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
@Anonymous I can’t find exact figures but they do have some info on the Powermat site. You would need to contact them for exact efficiency figures though.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Article updated as is now available to buy in the UK as well, currently just a shade under £70.