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It's called the Powermat, and it uses special receivers and a mat with magnetic induction coils to transfer energy - not electricity - into almost any modern and portable gadget.
Due to arrive in JB Hifi, Harvey Normal, Myer and David Jones stores from April 15th, the Powermat is the simple solution to chameleon-like chargers that get lost in the tangled rats nest of wires that most consumers are only all too familiar with.
Each Powermat can charge up to 3 devices, with each device needing to be equipped with a receiver that allows that magnetically induced power to flow from mat to bat(tery) without cables of copper cluttering up your life.
Unlike in the US where Powermats and receivers are sold separately, something which caused some initial confusion for consumers who might have been unaware that special receivers were needed for each gadget, the Australian Powermat bundles were much more cleverly crafted.
There are four variations of the Powermat Home & Office Mat and receiver, and these are the Powermat Starter Kit, the Powermat iPhone bundle, the Powermat Blackberry Bold 9000 bundle and the Powermat iPod/iPhone bundle.
Although each bundle only comes with one receiver, with others receivers easily able to be purchased separately, Each bundle allow you to charge up to three devices simultaneously and include a USB port for a fourth device.
The pricing is simple - each bundle costs AUD $199.95, and each separate receiver costs AUD $49.95, prices that compare very favourably to US price points.
More details on how it works and how fast the wireless charging is compared with wired charging over on page two, as well as plans for future Powermat devices - please click on!
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Well, Powermat explains that 'Smart RFID technology allows a 'conversation' between mat and devices. The mat transfers the exact amount power needed to charge your device and automatically switches off as soon as it is fully charged.'
As for the speed of charging, we are assured by Powermat that wireless charging through the Powermat itself happens as fast as wired charging - or even faster.
Powermat have solved the issue of power leakage that occurred with previous wireless charging technologies, many of which have been in use for years with cordless toothbrushes and shavers, although these older technologies required 'trickle charging' to deal with the power leakage effect.
As Powermat has solved this issue, charging is fast - and because energy and not electricity is transferred, the Powermats themselves are safe - you can spill water onto the top surface, drop keys onto them or touch them - and you won't receive any electric shock.
Of course you don't want to submerge your Powermat in water - it's not water proof as such, but the device is safe to use at home and with the kids - a prime consideration for any recharging technology.
The availability of Powermat receivers for the Nintendo DSi and DS Lite also eliminates the need for young children to be fiddling with power points and adapters, letting them simply rest their receiver-equipped Nintendo on the Powermat for rapid recharging.
While the existing Powermat solution offers a 'power cube' with attachments for several different mobile phones, including mini and micro USB chargers, future Powermats will include the ability to recharge netbooks, with notebooks also in mind for the future.
So, what's in the box, and exactly which devices is the Powermat compatible with? Please read on to page 3!
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Here's some more information from the Powermat people.
The Powermat Starter Kit is a flexible solution for multi device households which services all popular devices. It includes a Home & Office Powermat and Universal Powercube charging adapter with 9 tips to enable you to charge hundreds of different devices.
Plug in just once and then simply drop and charge.
Models supported: Motorola, Nokia, LG, Samsung, Sony/Ericsson, Blackberry, Palm, Nintendo - DS Lite & Dsi, Sony PSP, Gamin GPS, Tom Tom GPS,
Kodak digital cameras (selected models), and Motorola, plantronics and Jabra headsets.
The Powermat iPhone bundles the Powermat with an iPhone skin. Charge your iPhone without the tangle of wires - just slip on the skin and then simply place and charge.
Models supported: iPhone 3G and 3GS (PMR-AIP1)
The Powermat Blackberry for business professionals includes the Powermat and Blackberry Bold 9000 door receiver which replaces the factory battery door and allows your BlackBerry Bold 9000 to charge wirelessly on your Powermat.
Models supported: Blackberry Bold 9000
And the Powermat iPod/iPhone bundle for all Apple iPod and iPhone users combines the home/office Powermat and universal iPod/iPhone dock, so you can charge all your docking Apple devices.
Models supported: All docking iPods & iPhones
Receiver Assortment
Additional receivers can be purchased: iPhone 3G and iPod Touch Apple Universal dock for any docking iPod or iPhone. Blackberry battery door solutions to suit the Blackberry Bold 9000, Curve 8900, Pearl 8110 series and Curve 8300 series. The Universal Powercube with Mini USB and 8 interchangeable power tips allows you to charge LG, Samsung, NDS Lite, NDSi, PSP, Nokia (2mm), Sony Ericsson and micro USB devices. Nintendo DS Wrap options for charging Nintendo DS Lite or DSi.
So, the wireless charging revolution has arrived, with receivers needed today, but manufacturers likely to build receivers directly into their gadgets (as Palm did with the Palm Pre and its touch stone wireless charger) to make life ever easier for us all. Brilliant!
