Powermat charger (archives)
Photo: Omri Levy
Product can charge any Duracell battery-powered device
'Magic box' charging device to be unveiled
Product result of joint venture between Israeli startup Powermat and battery giant Duracell, aiming to 'advance and globalize wireless charging'
Israeli startup Powermat and battery giant Duracell are set to unveil a new product that resembles something out of a science fiction movie: The "magic box" charger that can charge any Duracell battery-powered device.
The charging box will be unveiled in January at the CES international consumer technology trade show in Las Vegas.
The device is extremely simple to use: Duracell devices are placed on the pad at the bottom of the box, and within 12 hours their batteries are charged without requiring their removal. The device may be used to charge battery-operated remote controls, flashlights, toys, and so on.
Powermat is known mainly for its wireless smartphone charging mats launched in 2009 which sold in the dozens of millions across the US in retail chains such as Wall Mart and Best Buy.
Last September, Powermat teamed up with Procter and Gamble, owner of Duracell, for the launch of the Duracell-Powermat joint venture and agreed to invest millions of dollars in the Israeli company.
Both companies will team up to "advance and globalize wireless charging." Procter and Gamble holds 55% of the venture, and Powermat holds a 45% stake.
Powermat, named most promising startup in Calcalist's annual most promising startup rating, has several joint ventures, including a deal with General Motors for the incorporation of Powermat charging pads into the interiors of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt; a deal with furniture manufacturer Teknion for the incorporation of the charging technology in furniture and an agreement with air-terminal furniture maker Arconas.
Powermat declined comment.
Click here to read this report in Hebrew
