Intel preps wireless power laptop tech for 2016

A wireless charging system that packs enough power to replenish a laptop battery should hit the market in 2016, helping realize the long-held dream of a cable-free desk, Intel said on Wednesday.
The chip-maker is developing a system that can handle up to 20 watts of power -- about four times the amount available from the wireless charging mats already available for some smartphones.
At the IFA trade show in Berlin, the company is demonstrating a wireless charging unit that can be attached to the underside of a desk and send power to devices sitting on the desk.




During the demonstration, it was shown to power two smartphones simultaneously or, with them moved out of the charging zone, a convertible PC.

The charging station sends energy through up to 5 centimeters of desk to an area about 20 centimeters in diameter. It wasn't very difficult to find the spot, although sometimes devices needed a slight nudge to begin charging. But then, it is still a prototype.
Source: ComputerWorld