Home appliances set to become wireless charging points for phones and other devices

At the moment, when you want to charge your smartphone or tablet you have to either plug it in, or (if it supports the technology) place it on a wireless charging mat. That's all set to change though, as soon you’ll be able to charge your electrical equipment simply by being near to a fridge or washing machine.

It sounds like crazy science fiction, but it’s just very clever science. Energous today announces a partnership with Haier Wireless, the world's largest appliance manufacturer, that will see its WattUp wire-free charging transmitters embedded in a wide range of home appliances including refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, microwaves, stoves and more.

All you need to do to charge any compatible device -- be it a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or electric toothbrush -- is to get within 15 feet of an appliance and it will start to charge over the air. Make no mistake, this really has the potential to be a game changer -- no longer will we have to think about plugging in devices or placing them on a mat.

"WattUp is a natural fit for a wide range of Smart Home products," says William Xu, CMO of Haier Wireless. "As Haier Wireless continues to cultivate the wireless power industrial ecosystem in the connected home market, true wire-free charging is a value-add we feel we must aggressively pursue. In our vision, WattUp-embedded Haier Wireless appliances would serve as transmitters for any WattUp-enabled device that is within range".

WattUp works by delivering intelligent, scalable power via the same radio bands as a Wi-Fi router. To charge a device (provided it's WattUp enabled) you just need to be close to any of the appliances. Devices can be charged when on a table, in your pocket, or in use, and the technology can charge multiple devices at the same time.

"Expanding into the Smart Home is a central piece of Energous’ roadmap, and WattUp transmitter deployments into Haier Wireless’ everyday products gives us a broad-reaching channel to do so," says Stephen R. Rizzone, CEO of Energous. "This relationship will enable us to create an always-on charging environment in high-traffic areas in homes, offices, retail and commercial spaces".

What do you think of the idea of being able to charge your devices in this way?