RCA demonstrates mobile charger that uses WiFi signals

RCA has demonstrated a prototype that converts WiFi radio signals into DC power that charges wireless devices.

The WiFi Hotspot Power Harvester, also known as Airnergy, is expected to sell for between $40 and $50 this summer. That devices is about 2 inches by 3 inches but RCA said it is developing a smaller version that would replace a battery inside a handheld device and sell for about $60. That smaller version could ship in 2011.

During a demonstration at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month, RCA's device was able to charge a BlackBerry Bold with about 30 percent power in 90 minutes using WiFi access points located nearby, according to an RCA spokesman. How long it takes to charge a device depends on how close the user is to a WiFi hotspot.

For more:
- see this Computerworld article

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