Powermat announces new charging support for Droid and myTouch
January 8, 2010 | by Andrew Kameka
Powermat has expanded its line of wireless phone chargers, adding support for two new Android products: The HTC myTouch and the Motorola Droid. Unlike its iPhone and Blackberry predecessors, the Android devices do not charge through clipped on sleeves placed on a Powermat. Instead, both phones have a customized battery and back plate that enable direct charging between device and pad.
Powermat features “Drop and Charge” availability that allows users to place the phone on the mat and walk away. Plugging in a standard charger is not a tedious process by any means, but multiple device owners (or someone whose spouse also has charging needs) can cut back on the chords and have a Powermat make charging the phone more organized and streamlined.
CES Booth attendees said that the phone can charge just as fast as the standard charger, however there is a 10% weaker charge at the moment. That’s going to be a big setback but they are still working to make the system more efficient and capable of meeting or surpassing the standard charge.
The “receivers” (battery and built-in charger) range from $29-40 depending on model. That’s in addition to the $39-$79 mat. Expect to see the new Android-targeted Powermats this spring or summer.
Isn't the point of "wireless" charging to reduce clutter? That thing is huge and ugly.
I'll stick to my "sleep moduale". Works really great. Looks good and easy to put to sleep.
Thats actually the travel charger. The Big lump on the left is a battery that when fully charged allows up to 4 full charges of a mobile without being connected to the mains. The normal powermats are much better looking and nice a slim. Currenly it is only available in a 3 block, but i would expect by the summer for a two dock and a 1 dock, similar size to a coaster to be available. Personally i think powermat is the way forward, but i would give it atleast abother 6 months to allow the technology to develop.
I actually own a powermat, and it's great! It's a pain in the but buying all the backings and new cell phone battery's for it. But the technology is sound, I have absolutely no problem charging ANY of my devices with it.
Powermat has blocked all communication from me involving this subject after countless emails. Powermat has even blocked my twitter and Facebook.
I don’t think this product will be hitting stores this year or in the next few. I say this because it is summer now. And absolutely no news on this item.
Worst for me, I spent $300 on powermat and power cubes. They wont tell you on the website but the powercube won’t in fact work with the Motorola DROID
this battery would be powermat’s saving grace for me.
clark, why won't your Droid work with the power cube? I have been charging mine with the power cube for a while now. Charges perfectly.