CES 2007: WildCharge Device Charging Platform

Posted by Chris Cardinal Categories: Smartphones, CES, CES 2007, Features, Peripherals

Showstoppers brought us something we’ve been dreaming of for a very long time: A pad you can drop all your devices that need a charge onto, without dealing with various wall-warts or cords or cables.

The WildCharger is a pad that works on induction—it’s a very thin pad, and though it requires a bit of modification to your device, (or a device-specific thin-cradle you slide your phone/pda into) the concept is definitely promising. Spills don’t phase it, and you can touch any portion of the pad without having to worry about getting shocked. They even had a modified PSP, which allows you to charge it simply by putting the PSP on the pad—no cradle needed.

The pad will come in a regular and mini sizes and will sell for $100 and $40, respectively, with the added benefit that you don’t use any power when no devices are on the pad. (Modern wall-warts still drain power, even without your cell phone plugged in.)

If they’re able to keep compatible cradles up and cheap at a regular clip, this could be a great solution for the gadget geek with six cell phones. Available first half of this year.