Powermat busts out swappable battery for its updated wireless charging lineup
By Laura June 
posted January 6th 2010 2:29PM
posted January 6th 2010 2:29PM
It was just last year that we first got to know Powermat's line of induction charging products. Well, now it's announced an updated lineup just in time for CES. The Powerpack its unveiled will replace the battery of your mobile phone and dispense with the need for Powermat's previous Receiver sleeves. So far, the new system supports about 10 models of HTC, Blackberry, Nokia, LG, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson phones. You'll note that the iPhone and iPod touch aren't yet supported so if you've got to charge those, then you'll still have to make do with the sleeves. The Powerpack will run $40, though we don't have a definite release date yet. Full press release is after the break.
Powermat Leads Wireless Charging with Next Generation Line
Industry Leader Expands Consumer Choice, Freedom and Convenience
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Electronics Show - Building upon the massive success of its initial product launch, Powermat - the worldwide leader in wireless charging - will unveil a wide range of new and innovative charging solutions at CES 2010, further establishing its dominance in the category.
Although a late entry into the wireless charging category, Powermat quickly established its leadership by not only being first to gain national distribution with leading retailers in the U.S. market, but more importantly by experiencing considerable success and sell-through at store level. Since its launch in mid-October of 2009, Powermat has sold in excess of 750,000 Powermat products, with most stores experiencing severe out-of-stock shortages late in the season.
The company's newest line of wireless chargers and products expands upon its success by offering consumers additional options in both the number of devices they can wirelessly charge as well as the number of ways they can charge them.
"It's all about freedom and convenience," said Ron Ferber, President of Powermat. "While our initial line delivered on our promise to eliminate the hassle of plugging and unplugging allowing consumers to plug in their Powermat and simply Drop and Charge the assortment was limited to a handful of popular devices and charging environments. For 2010 we've taken our product line to a whole new level through the successful miniaturization of our technology to the ASIC level.
With this and other incredible advances we've increased the selection of devices that we're able to wirelessly charge to include virtually every brand of handset or handheld device. At the same time we're offering a full range of new mats that allow consumers to charge in every possible environment, no matter where they may be.
Our next generation of products takes Powermat to an unsurpassed level. In fact our technology is so mature that we are already working with many top tier OEM brands that will be launching Powermat-enabled models in 2010."
Powermat Receivers
The Powermat Powerpak(TM) receiver provides seamless integration into virtually any phone, by allowing consumers to upgrade to wireless charging with no change to their existing phone ergonomics and design. More than 10 models from HTC, Blackberry, Nokia, LG, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson will debut at CES, but the technology can be applied to virtually any phone ensuring access to the freedom and convenience of Powermat wireless charging to consumers worldwide.
Powermat also expands its support of the iPhone 3G/3GS by introducing 2 new models; a silicone case receiver, one of the most often requested models by consumers, and an extended battery case receiver which combines the dual benefits of extended battery life and wireless charging.
Powermat will be on exhibit at Booth #8253 in the Central Hall of CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
About Powermat
Powermat is a complete solution for simultaneously delivering real time, wireless charging to multiple electronics including mobile phones, music players, handheld games, electronic readers, GPS devices, BT headsets, netbooks and laptops. Powermat technology has been miniaturized to a level where it can be embedded into virtually any device, as well as walls and table top surfaces. Powermat technology is fast, efficient, and safe and revolutionizes the way consumers charge and power. For more information, please go to www.powermat.com.
Powermat Sales & Marketing offices are based in Commerce Township, Michigan, with Research & Development facilities in Neve Ilan, Israel. Powermat is operated by Ron Ferber and Ran Poliakine.
Industry Leader Expands Consumer Choice, Freedom and Convenience
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Electronics Show - Building upon the massive success of its initial product launch, Powermat - the worldwide leader in wireless charging - will unveil a wide range of new and innovative charging solutions at CES 2010, further establishing its dominance in the category.
Although a late entry into the wireless charging category, Powermat quickly established its leadership by not only being first to gain national distribution with leading retailers in the U.S. market, but more importantly by experiencing considerable success and sell-through at store level. Since its launch in mid-October of 2009, Powermat has sold in excess of 750,000 Powermat products, with most stores experiencing severe out-of-stock shortages late in the season.
The company's newest line of wireless chargers and products expands upon its success by offering consumers additional options in both the number of devices they can wirelessly charge as well as the number of ways they can charge them.
"It's all about freedom and convenience," said Ron Ferber, President of Powermat. "While our initial line delivered on our promise to eliminate the hassle of plugging and unplugging allowing consumers to plug in their Powermat and simply Drop and Charge the assortment was limited to a handful of popular devices and charging environments. For 2010 we've taken our product line to a whole new level through the successful miniaturization of our technology to the ASIC level.
With this and other incredible advances we've increased the selection of devices that we're able to wirelessly charge to include virtually every brand of handset or handheld device. At the same time we're offering a full range of new mats that allow consumers to charge in every possible environment, no matter where they may be.
Our next generation of products takes Powermat to an unsurpassed level. In fact our technology is so mature that we are already working with many top tier OEM brands that will be launching Powermat-enabled models in 2010."
Powermat Receivers
The Powermat Powerpak(TM) receiver provides seamless integration into virtually any phone, by allowing consumers to upgrade to wireless charging with no change to their existing phone ergonomics and design. More than 10 models from HTC, Blackberry, Nokia, LG, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson will debut at CES, but the technology can be applied to virtually any phone ensuring access to the freedom and convenience of Powermat wireless charging to consumers worldwide.
Powermat also expands its support of the iPhone 3G/3GS by introducing 2 new models; a silicone case receiver, one of the most often requested models by consumers, and an extended battery case receiver which combines the dual benefits of extended battery life and wireless charging.
Powermat will be on exhibit at Booth #8253 in the Central Hall of CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
About Powermat
Powermat is a complete solution for simultaneously delivering real time, wireless charging to multiple electronics including mobile phones, music players, handheld games, electronic readers, GPS devices, BT headsets, netbooks and laptops. Powermat technology has been miniaturized to a level where it can be embedded into virtually any device, as well as walls and table top surfaces. Powermat technology is fast, efficient, and safe and revolutionizes the way consumers charge and power. For more information, please go to www.powermat.com.
Powermat Sales & Marketing offices are based in Commerce Township, Michigan, with Research & Development facilities in Neve Ilan, Israel. Powermat is operated by Ron Ferber and Ran Poliakine.
Did they take the Skateboard peripheral from Tony Hawk's Ride and make it more useful?
@Rick James - you really didn't need to add the word "more" before "useful." but i guess you were just being polite to Tony Hawk.
@kevL0CK
Lol, thank you for the correction. That was Coollllddd Blooooooooded!
...
How could they support the iPhone? Theres no removable battery!
@B3astofthe3ast
Have it sent in and replace the battery with theirs.
@Unverified User
is that true ?
@Tony99 No. They will obviously have to make a battery case, counterpart like the mophie juice pack air.
Just the thing to charge your new Nexus One.
hard to imagine why it isn't supported on the apple products :P
seriously, this sounds good but i'm sure it's very expensive and it MUST have a smaller capacity than the stock battery. unless it's a bulge type...is it?
You know if the battery pack wasn't so dang FAT i might consider this... but i think they are a little ways off before this become practical especially for someone who still wants to fit their phone in their pocket.
They need some rechargeable AAs with this. I have a couple of devices that I'd love to have wireless charging for.
@Vance
exactly. I would be able to set one of these on my coffee table where I set my remotes. they would always be charged just by setting them down where I already do.
I'll stick to my Pre and the Touchstone thanks :)
Works like a charm - mounted by my bed and in my car :)
Aren't supported "yet"? When are you expecting them to come up with a replacement battery for the iPhone? :p
@sockatume Although it's not recommended, there is a way to user-replace the battery. Sure, it'll void your warranty, but it works. I can even imagine Powermat providing a service that does this for you and potentially warranty coverage for the work.
I really hope they come out with a battery for the Touch Pro. If they do, I'll get two of them right away. I really like the idea of wireless charging, it makes forgetting to plug in your phone at night pretty difficult.
The engadget team in las vegas need to get some pics of the news one up ASAP. I just got the mat for christmas and would love to see what the new bb batteries will look like!
How can this work with the iPhone , looks cool !!
I've yet to justify the price tag for the 1.453 seconds it takes for me to plug my phone in.
What is remarkable is how the industry has managed to lose the cable and connector, yet still maintain proprietary technology rather than come up with a user-friendly.
@glennS What is remarkable is that they now have people believing that it is good to not be able to talk on the phone and charge it at the same time. What are you going to do if your battery is almost dead and an important call that you've been expecting comes in? Lay your head on top of the phone?
@tbonet
Perhaps that is what a bluetooth headset is for? You do have a point though...
@glennS
...standard.
Wish I could edit my original post.
"the new system supports about 10 models of HTC, Blackberry, Nokia, LG, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson phones."
And what are those 10 models' names?
I'm wondering if the Tilt2/Touchpro 2 is one of the 10 supported? Or mayby the HD2?
@Rick James
what if your bluetooth headset is dead as well? :) Maybe they'll have a swappable battery for the headset as well, then you'll be wearing your headset then hold the charging base up to your head like a really big phone :D.
Get back to me when the phones no longer need their own special powermat case to make this wireless charging thang work.
@E71 RTFA and maybe you'll get it...*sigh*
This better be available for the palm pre too, and it better have the right battery (-.-)