Truly-Wireless Distance Charging Technology Gets FCC Approval

When Apple added wireless charging to the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, the world acted like no phone had ever offered such a feature when in reality, wireless Qi charging has been around for years.

What is truly new is the idea of actual wireless charging, and we have taken an important step closer to charging without pads, pucks or plates today following the news that the Federal Communications Commission has given its blessing to Energous’ power-at-a-distance charging technology.

The approval is for the company’s WattUp Mid Field transmitter which supports wireless charging at distances up to three feet. While that may not mean the ubiquitous charging we are looking forward to, and would provide a wonderful charging solution for desks or bedside tables.

This ground-breaking technology allows users to automatically charge their WattUp-enabled devices without having to remove them from their wrist or pocket, plug them in or place them on a mat to charge, freeing them from ever having to think about charging their devices again.

As of right now, the WattUp would need a charging accessory to be plugged into devices that do not yet support it, but the hope is that, in time, we could see true wireless charging adopted by the likes of Google and Apple in a way similar to how Qi charging has become the wireless charging standard of choice today.

Energous has not announced when it plans to bring its charging magic to market, but it is expected to show off what it is capable of during 2018’s CES in Las Vegas next month. The thought of charging a smartphone anywhere on a desk, or even in a pocket when sat at a desk, does make us feel like we are living in the future even more than we already did!

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