October 18, 2007 The idea of wireless charging is an attractive one - do away with messy cords and chargers in favor of a wire free charging pad that does the job for multiple devices by simply placing it on the pad's surface. The concept has been around for several years, but commercialization has been slow. Now WildCharge is offering a wireless charging system for Motorola RAZR phones with an adapter for iPod Nano just around the corner.
Instead of fiddling around with plug in chargers and mobile cradles, the WildCharger allows you to charge and power a mobile device by simply placing it on a table. The pad can cope with multiple devices with varying power at any orientation and charge them all effectively at the same time.
Because devices aren’t currently enabled to power themselves using the charging pad, they either need to be manufactured to be compatible or they need an adapter. The adapters for Motorola RAZR phones replace the phone’s battery-cover with one that already has the WildCharge technology built in - raised contact points on the back of the phone then facilitate charging once it comes in contact with the thin conductive surface of the pad.
The pad itself is 8 x 6 inches in size and is designed to simultaneously charge as many as five small devices.
WildCharge products are available through the company’s website. The charge pad costs US$59.99 and US$34.99 for each adapter (you need one to enable each different device) or you can buy a combo package of the pad and an adapter for US$89.99. The company is aiming to expand the range to make as many leading mobile devices compatible with the WildCharger system.
If you don't happen to own a Motorola RAZR there are some other clever, albeit low-tech, solutions on the market that can assist in freeing your office or kitchen counter from cords such as the Quadcharge.
Incidentally, the concept of wireless power has potential way beyond eliminating clutter associated with mobile devices. MIT recently demonstrated they were able to light a 60W light bulb from a power source seven feet (more than two meters) away; there was no physical connection between the source and the appliance. The MIT team refers to its concept as "WiTricity" (as in wireless electricity). More applications of this technology are inevitable and Gizmag will keep you informed of new developments.
