Can you imagine a world where changing batteries or connecting hardware to wires was no longer required?
My idea would extend to all devices in your house that use AAA, AA, etc, and this new battery would function similar to a wifi card in your computer, accepting its charge from a new wireless network AC power of yours meanwhile charging your batteries synchronously.
So, all your traditional hardware would still require batteries such as a bluetooth keyboard/mouse in case you may not have wireless power in your home, office, car, etc. or should you travel on the road you still have the option to use your devices traditionally. The wireless batteries would still function the same and come with their traditional sizes, so anything that exists that requires batteries would be 100% compatible. The consumer would basically purchase a new standard of rechargeable batteries that would now be compatible with a new AC wireless network, which of course does not exist yet.
Some ideas that would benefit from this new form of rechargeable batteries
- All bluetooth accessies
- TV remote controls
- Remote controlled cars
- Electric shavers
- Computers/phones
- Countless baby toys that require new batteries every 10 minutes
The idea could extend to devices that are brand new to the market that require power from an AC outlet, such as TVs, electric lawn mowers or coffee markers, therefore the AC wireless card would be required to be built into these devices to accept the wireless power since these devices don’t usually come with a place to stick a battery.
Wireless power is less than 10 years away and I’ve seen many videos showing proof of concepts. One most recent is Motorolla who plans to reveal their attempt at wireless power at CES 2012 next week. Below is a teaser video for their new product:
Also, here is a great proof of concept from a 2009 TED conference
The wireless power image is courtesy of Burke Vector, the creator of the first wireless battery icon.