Skip to main content

WiCharge’s PowerPuck can power your smart home devices through the air

Smart technology brings with it a huge number of conveniences that would have been unheard of even a decade ago, but wireless charging has thus far been limited to contact charging devices; for example, you might place a puck-shaped device on your nightstand and place your phone on it to charge. Wi-Charge hopes to change that through its trademarked AirCord technology with the new PowerPuck.

This is a type of wireless power transmission technology that can power compatible devices from up to 30 feet away. The device makes long-range charging easily accessible to anyone. The PowerPuck can be plugged into a wall outlet or screwed into a light socket to provide power. Wireless power makes it possible to create more aesthetic looks through the home when you don’t have to fight with unsightly cords or finicky cable management. Even devices that do not currently require cables and instead operate on batteries do not have the best battery life.

A report from 2019 stated that most connected households have an average of six smart devices, but that number could double within the next few years as the technology becomes more widely adopted. The PowerPuck has the potential to become a household device due to its slim form factor and elegant design. It’s shaped like a puck, true to the name, and is about the same size as a Nest thermostat.

The PowerPuck is designed to be true “plug and play.” According to Wi-Charge, it requires no configuring or tuning to work properly. Once connected, it automatically looks for receivers and begins broadcasting power. The receivers are small and are often embedded in the devices they power. It works by broadcasting over the infrared band and is said to be completely safe for consumer use. The idea of wireless power leaves many people skeptical, but PowerPuck has been shown to work without risk.

The PowerPuck is slated to begin shipping in 2020 and become readily available at that time. More information on the device will be shown at CES in January. If the device performs as well as Wi-Charge claims, it could be revolutionary for powering devices and for managing cable clutter.

Editors' Recommendations

Patrick Hearn
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
Smart home tech for your office
temperature controlled ember mug deal best buy flash sale white charging

If you’re like most of us, you’ve increasingly spent time in your home office over the last few years and could benefit from adding more smart home tech to your space. Smart tech makes life a little easier and allows you to remove some steps and inconveniences from your routine. Not only that, but being able to issue voice commands or have lights and fans set up to activate when needed can improve your comfort and mood and even put a little change back in your wallet.

Add ambient lighting
Just because the downtown office has harsh fluorescents and bright white lighting doesn’t mean your awesome home office needs to be the same. It’s time to make your lighting funkier and less eye-strain-inducing.

Read more
How smart tech can improve your 4th of July BBQ
philips hue outdoor range

Last year, you had to jealously attend your older brother's 4th of July gathering. You wanted to host the party, but he insisted. But the chump ran out of beer, had to order pizzas because he forgot to buy the burgers, and had a screaming match with your father about politics. Capri-Sun in hand, you sit in your lawn chair, holding back a devilish grin, and thinking: Next year will be my year.

So with Independence Day 2022 just several days away, if you're gearing up for an unforgettable 4th of July event, and need to come up with a few ways to wow your guests and put big bro in his place. Our suggestion? Break out your Wi-Fi password, put your sibling rivalry aside, and deliver the best 4th of all time with some of these amazing smart home devices and features.
Illuminate the night with smart lighting

Read more
7 ways to prep your smart home before you go on vacation
Smart home app use.

You no doubt know the basics of home maintenance when you’re headed out for a vacation: Arm the security system, leave a light on so it looks like people are home, arrange for pet and plant care, and turn the thermostat down. But there’s an easier way to do it all automatically.

Today’s smart home systems are packed with features, and many of them can help you prepare for a vacation, and take care of some important details while you’re gone. Here’s everything you can do with smart products and why it helps!
Set the vacation mode on your thermostat

Read more