PowerCast and WildCharge Demonstrate Wireless Power at CES

Wireless power transmission allows devices to receive a charge for either direct operation or to recharge internal batteries. Imagine your desk without power cords for your computer, iPhone, speakers, and even your electric pencil sharpener, should you have one, getting power without YAP (yet another plug). If that appeals to you, youill understand the change these technologies might represent.

WildCharge approaches the goal with base plate that has a conductive service. When any device — the company was demonstrating MacBook Pros, iPods, iPhones, and other cell phones — has the appropriate WildCharge adapter, placing it on this conductive surface will power the device or charge its batteries just as if it were plugged into a wall.

Several examples of mobile devices being charged via WildChargeis wireless charging solution.

Currently, the company is marketing its own adapters in the form of cases and external attachments. For instance, in the image below we see an iPhone case that has the adapter built into it. Simply lay that down on the surface above, and your iPhone will charge. Furthermore, one base plate can be used for any number of devices.

WildChargeis iPhone adapter/case.

WildCharge spokespersons on hand at CES told The Mac Observer that they were in talks with a number of unspecified companies interested in licensing WildChargeis technology and incorporating it directly into their products.

PowerCast is tackling this issue from a different angle, one that doesnit require a conductive surface and contact with an adapter. Instead, the company is transmitting power via a proprietary 2.4GHz wireless signal. Take a base station and equip a device with a PowerCast adapter, put the two near each other and you get power. As this solution is not conductive, proximity, not contact, is what is key, though trickle charging is possible across farther distances.