Back in September, as you may recall, Duracell struck a joint venture with Powermat, as part of an effort to "advance and globalize wireless charging." At CES this week, the two companies are putting the fruits of their partnership on full display, and we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at their latest inductive innovation. The basic idea behind the initiative is to bring wireless charging platforms to a variety of environs, including desk drawers, toy boxes and even sports arenas. In fact, Duracell Powermat are already planning to install their circular grommets (pictured above) at various locations across Madison Square Garden, allowing concertgoers and Knick fans to inductively charge their smartphones directly on a bartop. This system, however, isn't limited to the smartphone realm -- something Duracell Powermat was quick to point out, with a prototype desk drawer and toy chest, both of which are capable of wirelessly charging a wide range of devices. The companies have also developed software capable of monitoring the progress of a device's battery charge, which they displayed, in prototype form, on a tablet at their booth. Unfortunately, there's no sign that we can expect to see this technology appear in actual products anytime soon, but we were told to "stay tuned." In the meantime, check out the gallery below for some more images, and be sure to head past the break for our hands-on video.


Mat Smith contributed to this report.

Duracell has been in the wireless charging business for quite a while now with its myGrid devices, but it's about to make a fairly drastic change of course. Its parent company, Proctor & Gamble, announced today with Powermat that the two companies intend to form a new joint venture in an effort to "advance and globalize wireless charging." That new venture will be called Duracell Powermat, and it's expected to begin operation early next year. As a result of the new arrangement, P&G also intends to make an equity investment in Powermat, although there's no word yet on how the deal will affect everyone's favorite pun-based superhero, Power Matt. The official press release is after the break.

Microsoft has certainly had some ups and downs with its products over the years, but we're pretty sure the company's new InstaLoad technology falls somewhere between a home run and the best thing it's ever done. It promises to do nothing short of redefine the way you insert batteries, and let you shove 'em into devices without any regard for positive or negative polarity. That's apparently possible thanks to a patented battery contact design, which Microsoft says "simply works," and is compatible with a whole range of battery sizes (both standard and rechargeable). What's more, Microsoft is now already licensing the technology to third party device suppliers, and is even offering a royalty-free license for suppliers and manufacturers of accessibility products. Still no word on when the first devices using the technology will be available, but Microsoft already counts Duracell and flashlight-manufacturer AE Light among its partners. Head on past the break for the complete press release.

Hey, if you're in New York City and bored on New Year's Eve, well, maybe you feel like working? Duracell's set up its Smart Power Lab in the heart of Manhattan, along with several Power Rovers, which are stationery bikes that generate renewable energy when pedaled. You see where this is going, right? That energy is being stored up and harnessed by Duracell to power the ball we watch drop every year, which boasts about 9,500 LEDs. Fun times, if you're not averse to the freezing cold, the screaming crowds, the garbage, and the awful music. Or you could always do what we do, and stay home in your jammies watching Twin Peaks -- but it's really up to you. Either way, we're glad to see the ball is no longer powered by Dick Clark's rage. There's one more shot after the break.

No, someone didn't just Photoshop the Duracell logo on a WildCharge pad -- this actually is the newest product from the ubiquitous battery maker. Available this October, myGrid kits (including charger and one power sleeve) will be available for Nokia, Motorola, and Blackberry handsets, as well as the many flavors of Apple's iPhone and iPod touch. No price yet, but you'll know as soon as we do.

Update: Of course, this is probably the product of some sort of licensing deal -- but you'd think someone at WildCharge or Duracell would have mentioned it, right?

[Via PhoneMag]

No, someone didn't just Photoshop the Duracell logo on a WildCharge pad -- this actually is the newest product from the ubiquitous battery maker. Available this October, myGrid kits (including charger and one power sleeve) will be available for Nokia, Motorola, and Blackberry handsets, as well as the many flavors of Apple's iPhone and iPod touch. No price yet, but you'll know as soon as we do.

Update: Of course, this is probably the product of some sort of licensing deal -- but you'd think someone at WildCharge or Duracell would have mentioned it, right?

[Via PhoneMag]

Already available for the iPod nano, Battery-Biz is rolling out their Duracell PowerFM line to the iPod Video, complete with FM transmitter, extended battery, and bonus protective silicon case. The extended battery more than doubles the iPod's run-time while powering the FM transmitter, with unlimited channel selection. It also replicates the iPod's dock connector, so you can still use all those other accessories without unplugging your 'Pod. No date yet (they're saying end of Q1, early Q2) but expect a retail price of $79.99.