Powermat: A Brief History and Walkthrough at CES 2011
It’s been just about 2 years since we first came across Powermat at CES and they have come a long way from only providing wireless charging mats. This year Powermat made announcements of a deal with General Motors to wirelessly enable vehicles, to airports, offices, and more of today’s most popular smartphones. Powermat is going the distance and bringing their wireless charging technology to new levels. By enhancing the way consumers experience wireless energy in their everyday environments.
Powermat also made an announcement of a LOI (Letter of Intent) with Qualcomm Incorporated, a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies, products and services to work together in the development of cutting-edge wireless power solutions. So could that potentially mean for you. Well that device you are caring around with you everywhere could already come built with Powermat technology inside. No longer will you have to buy a special case or dock in order for it to work with the Powermat charging surfaces.
General Motors and Powermat announced a commercial agreement to eliminate the need for charging cords in future GM products. The integration of wireless charging into the automobile will be implemented into the entire GM portfolio beginning with The Chevrolet Volt.
“The integration of wireless power into the automobile is a necessary convenience that will eventually be a standard addition to every vehicle,” said Ran Poliakine, Powermat CEO. “It brings us that much closer to fulfilling our vision of a world without wires.”
Soon not only will we know about Powermat technology but our parents and grand parents will soon be exposed to them as well. Powermat and Haier are partnering to embed wireless technology into white goods and digital products. Refrigerators, coffee makers like the one from the commercial coffee machine lease, and blenders will all become wirelessly enabled.
Why stop at the home? Powermat is also going to follow us to work with a partnership with Teknion, a manufacturer and marketer of mid- to high-end office systems and related furniture products, Powermat is creating a line of wirelessly-enabled office furniture and accessories. The Powermat/Teknion line will feature surfaces designed to operate as wireless energy hubs where users can drop and charge their electronic devices.
And for those always looking for an outlet at the airport when you come to find that your flight has been delayed and you are running low on battery, Powermat has got you coverd. Powermat has unveil a solution specifically catering to the airline traveler at this year’s show. Powermat announced a venture with Arconas, a Canadian-based manufacturer of 
airport seating to incorporate Powermat technology into airport settings.
Throughout the coming year, Powermat will also continue to develop dedicated receivers for even more of today’s most popular smartphones, roll out a wirelessly-enabled car charger solution, expand the company’s portable power line, and introduce new options in color and design.
Scott put it best in the video above, “It’s becoming a wireless world, and you should be part of it.”
