At the end of 2017, the Federal Communications Commission made a massive, life-altering decision that pretty much no one supported when it decided to repeal net neutrality. That said, they also made a couple good — if less publicized — calls last month, including signing off on a promising new remote wireless charging system.
Built by San Jose-based startup Energous, the WattUp Mid Field transmitter can supposedly wirelessly charge devices like smartphones, tablets and watches from up to 15 feet away using radio frequencies (though the FCC has currently only approved charging from three feet away). In addition to being wireless, the WattUp transmitter can charge multiple devices at once. Even better, since the Energous system works like wifi, it’s brand agnostic.
“The FCC certification of Energous’ power-at-a-distance wireless charging transmitter is a major market milestone,” said Energous CEO Stephen Rizzone. “Untethered, wire-free charging — such as charging a fitness band even while wearing it — is exactly what consumers have been waiting for. We are now in a position to move our consumer electronics, IoT
Unfortunately, WattUps is not yet available for purchase. But to learn a bit more about what to expect when they eventually hit the market, check out Energous’s demo video below:
This article was featured in the InsideHook newsletter. Sign up now.
