CES 2010: Powermat loses the bulk
As much as I love my Powermat, a device that wirelessly charges portable gadgets, I’m not thrilled at the special backings or cases required on your smartphones, handheld game systems or iPods. But the company unveiled a less bulky solution here at CES.
Called the Powermat Powerpak, these special receivers are basically enhanced batteries that replace the ones in your smartphone – therefore you don’t need to snap on a special backing or cases for your devices before placing them on the Powermat to charge up.
More than 10 models were unveiled here at the show – supporting smartphones from Research in Motion (BlackBerry), Samsung, HTC, Nokia, LG, Motorola and Sony Ericsson – and they’ll work with the either version of the existing Powermat (stationary or portable; $99 apiece) and upcoming ones.
These new Powermat receivers should be available this June for about $40.
If you have an iPhone 3G/3GS, however, which doesn’t let you access the battery, Powermat introduced two new models: a silicone case receiver (one of the most requested models by consumers, says the company) and an extended battery case receiver that protects the smartphone, extends battery life and allows for wireless charging.
Available in June, the silicone case receiver will be about $40, while the extended battery case receiver will run you $70 or so.
Powermat also unveiled more affordable single, double and triple position mats for home and office use – the Powermat 1X ($40), Powermat 2X ($60) and Powermat 3X ($80), respectively – as well as new Powermat Portable Mats that include a rechargeable Lithion-ion battery so you can charge your devices on the go (say, at a café) without having to plug the mat into an AC socket. These will range from $70 to $100, depending on whether it supports two simultaneous gadgets or three.
Filed Under: Blackberry > Digital Cameras > GPS > Gaming Consoles > Handheld Devices > Hardware & Gadgets > Mobile Phones > Peripherals > Portable Electronics > Smartphones > Uncategorized > iPod/iphone
Tags: 2010, battery, Blackberry, CES, charge, charger, charging, gadget, iPhone, powermat, receiver, smartphone, Wireless