120103
story
CSMastermind writes
"CNN is reporting on a breakthrough technology. A startup called Powercast has developed and patented a device, the size of a dime and costing 5$ to make, which allows power to be transmitted wirelessly. The device has already gained FCC approval and the company has inked deals with the likes of Phillips. From the article: 'Powercast says it has signed nondisclosure agreements to develop products with more than 100 companies, including major manufacturers of cell phones, MP3 players, automotive parts, temperature sensors, hearing aids, and medical implants. The last of those alone could be a multibillion-dollar market: Pacemakers, defibrillators, and the like require surgery to replace dead batteries. But with a built-in Powercast receiver, those batteries could last a lifetime. '"
Not april fools (Score:5, Informative)
Write-up from Jan. [cnet.com]
Official Site [powercastco.com]
Re:dupe? (Score:3, Informative)
This story is legit. (Score:5, Informative)
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070117-863
Re:dupe? (Score:5, Informative)
Umm: Microwave? (Score:3, Informative)
Don't get me wrong I applaud any technology the size of a dime that can be made for $5 and transmit power safely for our nifty home devices and pacemakers but, due respect to CNN's science guys I ain't about to go out and buy Powercast's stock just yet. Especially since the most common use of bradcast power (the Radarange) nd medical tech (pacemakers) are rumoured not to get along together. [straightdope.com]
Re:dupe? (Score:3, Informative)
This is actually actually real, here's the patent (Score:5, Informative)
Total Assignments: 2
Patent #:7027311
Issue Dt: 04/11/2006
Application #: 10966880
Filing Dt: 10/15/2004
Publication #:US20050104453
Pub Dt:05/19/2005
Inventors:Timm A. Vanderelli, John G. Shearer, John R. Shearer
Title:
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A WIRELESS POWER SUPPLY
Re:dupe? (Score:5, Informative)
Actually, I dont think it is an april fools joke: (Score:3, Informative)
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-12760_7-6676861-1.ht
and this one is from January...
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12760_7-9673092-5.ht
check out the company page at powercastco.com
Re:dupe? (Score:2, Informative)
That's wrong, they are alternating magnetic AND electric fields, orthogonal to each other. That's what electromagnetic radiation means, indeed.
NOT april fools. (Score:4, Informative)
Re:welcome to the late 1800s (Score:1, Informative)