If you like that they have a whole series of these videos.  Here is one featuring the “kids” (swearing kids is so funny!)…

So the actual product itself, the Powermat charging system, is nothing that we haven’t seen before.  Just like the Wildcharge wire-free system it has a base plate system which you plug in and then you attach different devices that have been outfitted with a power receiver (the base plate basically sends electricity to the receiver).  Fundamentally the two systems are the same, though it seems Powermat has spent more time polishing the product and making it more “sexy.”

The sexiness comes in the overall design of the system.  It’s sleek and even comes in a portable foldable version.  Other bells and whistles that it includes:

• Audio notification when you start and stop charging (sounds like something out of the future)
• Visual indication via an LED light that turns on and off when it charges
• Magnetic orientation (meaning a magnet in the base plate station will keep the device attached to the charging plate and automatically orient itself)
• A built-in USB slot for old school normal wired charging (in case of an emergency I suppose)
• Several charging connector options: iPod/iPhone dock cradle, universal charging adapters, cell phone integrated receiver stations, etc…

It’s fun to see the same product approaching the market differently.  Powermat is definitely going after the sexy Apple sleek look…while Wildcharge has been going after the utilitarian approach (ie no bells and whistles just does it job of charging).  If I were to guess Powermat has a much larger budget for marketing.

Essentially these two wireless charging systems are the same.   The main difference seems to be the attention that Powermat has paid to product design.  I like how the universal charging receiving station has all the tips integrated into it (so this way you don’t have to go rummaging through drawers to find adapter tips)

The portable version seems pretty useful for traveling as it would allow you to cut out the number of separate AC adapters you would need to pack and carry.  It also even comes in a convenient traveling case.  Powermat thought of everything didn’t they?

Portable version folds down easy!

FuncFash-ness:  7.5/10

• Functional:  3.5/5 (the ability to reduce the number of chargers is a good thing, portable version even better)
• Fashionable:  4/5 (makes futuristic noises which are sure to impress your friends)

Where to Buy:

• Amazon:  Powermat Home and Office Mat $99 and Powermat Portable Mat $99

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Their prototype which was exhibited at the Wireless Japan 2006 kind of looks like a lipstick container.

"Honey...Why did you plug my lipstick into your phone?"

So besides looking like a lipstick holder what can this little charger do?  It’s based on PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell) technology…which means when you add water to the material inside the charger that it produces hydrogen gas which in turn produces electricity which you can use to power up your electronic gizmos. Instead of wind or solar it uses the inherent power stored in the chemical bonds in water.

For you scientific-minded folks here’s the technical explanation:

If you understand this you = smart

For non-technical folks I created a simpler explanation:

Much easier to understand...

Just how long does it take to take charge your phone?  Two hours which is equivalent to the same time it takes your regular AC adapter…which means this little charger is practically just as powerful as your regular charger.

The technology is pretty promising and considering this was 4 years ago you’d expect this product to be already out in the market, but it looks like we’re going to have to wait just a little longer as some have reported that Aquafairy is shooting for an April 2010 date to launch a consumer product based on this technology.

Charge other stuff like your Nintendo DS or iPhone

How much will it cost?    Anywhere from $50 to $100.  However, the rumors say they don’t plan on releasing this overseas.  So it looks like the Japanese will be holding on to their cool technology while we wait to get their table scraps.

If you like this kind of stuff subscribe to the RSS feed or get it delivered through email Or follow us on Twitter.  For the really cool…Fan Us on Facebooker

Related posts:

1. WildCharge: Charge Your Cell Phone Wirelessly through Voodoo
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3. Solio Magnesium Solar Charger