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Solar Powered Table That Wirelessly Charges Your Gadgets

Posted by samzenpus on from the power-up dept.

greenerd writes "Panasonic recently unveiled a solar table at Tokyo's Security Show that harnesses QI technology to wirelessly charge your gadgets with solar power whenever you place them on the countertop."

7 of 56 comments (clear)

  1. Stadards, people! by Kokuyo · · Score: 2

    The idea is neat. Imagine if most surfaces where people spend some time (e.g. restaurants, cafes and so on) had these. You wouldn't need to fully charge your device in one go but you'd be continually charging them a bit.

    Now if only companies could agree on ONE standard so that IKEA could ALSO sell those tables and countertops and what-have-you and they could then charge ALL of your devices, because the tech could be built-in from the beginning by any manufacturer.

    I mean, what's the big idea? Should I buy different tables for my HTC Android, for the PSP and the iPod?

    1. Re:Stadards, people! by sakdoctor · · Score: 2

      Radioisotope thermoelectric generators are the future of phone batteries, not all that poncy recharging.

    2. Re:Stadards, people! by Nerdfest · · Score: 2

      Should I buy different tables for my HTC Android, for the PSP and the iPod?

      I can't imagine Apple or Sony using a proprietary technology or connector when a standard exists.

  2. Practicality by snsh · · Score: 2

    A solar-powered table makes as much sense as a solar-powered down comforter or solar-powered underwear.

    1. Re:Practicality by Gaygirlie · · Score: 2

      If your underwear sees enough daylight to get anything charged, then something is wrong

      ....or very, very right!!

  3. Re:No need for shielding by bpsbr_ernie · · Score: 2

    Could this be the solution to unwanted teen pregnancy?

  4. Re:what's wrong with plugs? by hitmark · · Score: 2

    Efficiency is of a lesser concern when the source is hanging there in the sky for hours each day.

    --
    comment first, facts later. http://chem.tufts.edu/AnswersInScience/RelativityofWrong.htm