Wireless Charging Router Capable of Simultaneously Powering Up to 12 Devices from a Distance of Nearly 5 Meters.
Ditch the wires, forever! Say goodbye to the constant hunt for charging cables and outlets. The dream of effortlessly charging your gadgets is no longer a sci-fi fantasy - it's here.
At the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Sin City, dream-makers Energous introduced a groundbreaking wireless charging system they calls WattUp. Unlike traditional charging pads, WattUp operates more like a Wi-Fi router for power, wirelessly delivering energy to multiple devices simultaneously. This tech is geared up to reshape the way we power our tech toys.
But does it live up to the hype? And when can you snag this wireless future for yourself?
Say Goodbye to Cables, Pads, and Outlets
Wireless charging isn't novel, with charging pads and inductive charging systems already under our belts. But WattUp stands out from the pack, using radio frequency (RF) waves to send power through the air. Picture a small transmitter box that emits clean, green energy - all wirelessly!
WattUp can simultaneously charge up to a whopping 12 devices[1]. It also offers the freedom to operate wirelessly from up to 4.5 meters away with the ability to prioritize charging preferences[1]. Channeling your phone's seamless connection to different Wi-Fi routers, WattUp lets devices switch between transmitters as you move around your space[1].
The Wireless Power Journey: Limitations Ahead
The idea of beaming power through the air might sound like a sci-fi blockbuster, but WattUp isn't perfect[4]. WattUp's charging speed is slower compared to standard wall plugs, losing steam after 4.5 meters[2]. It also struggles with energy efficiency, promising only 70% of input energy, which is less efficient than traditional wired chargers[2].
Additionally, many devices currently lack built-in WattUp receivers[3]. Consumers will need to invest in separate battery packs compatible with WattUp technology, until manufacturers work it into their products[3]. On a brighter note, Energous is hoping to improve efficiency and speed over time, similar to Wi-Fi's dramatic advancements over the past two decades[4].
Are We Charging the Wrong Thing?
For years, tech companies have pursued faster chargers, bigger batteries, and now, wireless charging routers. But what if we're focusing on the wrong problem?
Perhaps we should ask: "How do we make batteries last longer in the first place?" Ponder this:
- What if our smartphones could last an entire week on a single charge[4]?
- Companies like Samsung and Tesla are investing in next-gen solid-state batteries[4], promising faster charging, longer lifespans, and better energy storage.
- Newfangled solar-powered or self-charging gadgets are already being brainstormed. Imagine a smartwatch that harnesses body heat, or a phone that never needs plugging in, thanks to a solar-powered panel[4]!
While wireless charging promises a convenient future, it's worth considering if it truly addresses the root problem: Do our devices need too much power?
WattUp's Future: Mainstream Success or a Buckle on the Road to Something Better?
Despite current limitations[2], WattUp introduces a compelling leap toward a truly wireless future[4]. A future where cords become obsolete and energy flows freely - just like Wi-Fi. Whether WattUp ultimately becomes a household name or a stepping stone to extraordinary battery technology, one thing is certain: those tangled cords and dead batteries might soon be a thing of the past.
Sources:
- [1] Geek
- [2] The Verge
- [3] Tom's Hardware
- [4] Energous Website
- [5] Energius Corporation Quarterly Report 2025 Q1 (Public Document)
- [6] Recent news on Energous collaborations with Vivo and other major companies (Industry sources)
- The wireless charging system WattUp, unveiled at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show, utilizes radio frequency (RF) waves to deliver power wirelessly to multiple devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and other consumer electronics, simultaneously.
- WattUp's wireless charging system operates like a Wi-Fi router for power, providing the freedom to wirelessly charge up to 12 devices from up to 4.5 meters away, with the ability to prioritize charging preferences.
- Despite its current limitations in charging speed and energy efficiency compared to traditional wired chargers, the development of WattUp technology signals a step towards a truly wire-free future where cables, charging pads, and outlets may become obsolete, revolutionizing the way we power our gadgets.
