Start-up charges phones via ultrasonic vibrations

An American start-up that has been working on charging phones via ultrasonic vibrations in recent years has created a prototype that is suitable for consumers. Within two years it should be possible to charge phones wirelessly over longer distances.

The start-up Ubeam has now developed a fully functional prototype that is suitable for marketing in its current form, reports The New York Times. The company uses ultrasonic vibrations to wirelessly charge phones over longer distances. Current techniques for standard charging, such as Qi, require a phone to be very close to the charging station.

Ubeam’s technology would allow a phone user to move freely around a room while constantly charging their phone. Charging stations up to five millimeters thick pack the energy into ultrasound; the phone then converts the vibrations back into energy. Ubeam expects to bring its chargers to market within two years. According to Ubeam, the company’s technology also offers the possibility to send encrypted data along with the ultrasonic vibrations.

The company is working on two versions of its charging station: a short-range version suitable for homes and offices, and larger chargers for stadiums, airplanes, hotels and conference centers. Ubeam hopes public places like stores will post the chargers, similar to how they now offer free Wi-Fi. It is not known what the maximum range of a Ubeam adapter is.

The company’s technology has a flaw: it is not possible to charge devices through walls. Users should therefore buy their own Ubeam charger for each separate room in their home. It is not yet known whether phone manufacturers are interested in the technology. Many of them have already rallied behind existing wireless charging standards.