Fulton Innovation launches eCoupled technology for bi-directional wireless charging (hands on)
Wireless charging is slowly creeping into more and more devices, and the convenience it brings is a welcome addition to our technological lives. But what if you don't have a charging pad nearby? With Fulton Innovation's eCoupled technology inside your device, you could use the charge in your tablet to charge your phone (or vice-versa). Essentially it enables the bi-directional movement of power between compatible devices. Any Qi enabled device can be charged by the eCoupled hosting device, and when two enabled devices are held back to back, then the one with the most power charges the other.
In the demonstration given to us on the show floor, Fulton Innovation had a reference device (a Samsung tablet) containing the technology, and demonstrated it by simply resting a Qi enabled mobile on top, and instantly it charged -- just like placing it on a regular charging mat. Fulton were also keen to stress their intention to get the technology incorporated into the Qi standard, meaning that if this were the case, then bi-directional charging like this could eventually be common place. Beyond the more obvious application of charging devices, there are other applications that this idea opens up. One such example is the use of "printed electronics" that can be activated simply by resting your phone or other enabled device on top. As a demonstration, a printed picture of a DJ with some speakers become an interactive soundboard once the eCoupled device was rested on the relevant point. This could also mean lightweight printed keyboard, that wouldn't require any charging, springing to life once you place your device on them. Check the gallery to see the idea in action, and the press releases over the break for more info.%Gallery-175155%
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FULTON INNOVATION REVEALS A TABLET THAT BOTH SENDS AND RECEIVES POWER WIRELESSLY AT CES 2013
Display Shows eCoupled™ Technology Powering an Interactive Poster that Plays Music, and a Surface that Charges Multiple Devices at Once – All Without Wires
LAS VEGAS – January 7, 2013 – Fulton Innovation, the creator and exclusive licensor of eCoupled™ intelligent wireless power, is showing the first ever example of two-way wireless power at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week. Using the Qi global standard for wireless power set by the Wireless Power Consortium, Fulton will demonstrate a tablet being charged wirelessly, which in turn is used to charge a Qi enabled mobile phone. By simply placing the two devices back-to-back, the power transfers wirelessly between them (Video: bit.ly/VSzTpF).
In yet another demonstration of the flexibility of wireless power, Fulton will be showing an interactive printed poster with an illustration of a DJ console that can actually be played. Music is made by tapping the speakers, mixer, and turntable, while placing the same tablet that wirelessly charges a mobile phone near the poster for power. The combination of printed electronics and two-way wireless power creates a new way of connecting to consumers through interactive posters, magazines, food packaging, and more.
Using its new Adaptive Resonance technology, Fulton will demonstrate a surface that wirelessly charges multiple Qi-compatible devices at once. Placing the phones or tablets on one pad will charge simultaneously, recognizing and adapting to the power needs of each devices (Video: http://bit.ly/PauxVZ).
Various embodiments of wireless power will be on show in Fulton's suite to demonstrate how the technology can transform everyday lives:
A set top box and TV that automatically turns on or off when the remote is removed or placed on the box, where it charges a super capacitor with no batteries when not in use.
Wireless kitchen appliances that use direct power, rather than charging like mobile phones.
Tablets and laptops with medium power requirements that charge without wires on an eCoupled-enabled conference table.
Home furniture such as side and coffee tables that charge any of the 10+ million Qi devices in market today.
The new Nokia Lumia phone that charges without wires while it's inside a handbag, demonstrating wireless charging over a distance.
Examples of packaging that combines printed electronics with wireless power to attract consumers with flashing lights and sound.
A collection of the latest Qi mobile phones on the market embedded with wireless power including the Google Nexus 4, HTC Droid DNA, and Nokia Lumia 920 and 820.
"We're excited to return to CES as it allows us to showcase the next generation of wireless power innovations developed by our award-winning team of scientists," said Dave Baarman, Director of Advanced Technologies for Fulton Innovation. "We've spent the last 14 years contributing to the wireless power industry and now our technology is built into 70% of the 10+ million Qi-based devices on the market today. Wireless power is rapidly becoming a must-have feature in the latest smart-phones and we're proud to be a part of the rapidly-growing market."
