The Californian Company Energous is the first to be awarded FCC approval for its Mid-field contactless charging system. Unlike conventional inductive contactless charging systems, distances of almost 1 m are possible according to Energous. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has certified the ‘WattUp Mid Field transmitter’ solution, which uses beamed RF and thus electromagnetic waves to transmit charging power to mobile devices.

The FCC's approval of the RF power transmission system by Energous represents a milestone in contactless charging technology for mobile and smart devices. This decision by the regulatory authorities paves the way for a more convenient method of charging smartphones, tablets and fitness Trackers, smartwatches, earbuds, keyboards, mice, speakers, wearables and other gadgets.

According to Energous, their system differs significantly from competing solutions using resonant induction and achieves greater ranges than Belkin's or Mophie's charging methods, which require closer contact with the charger. The Energous solution, however, requires a new standard of compliant receiver which has not yet been adopted by device manufacturers and therefore not integrated into current smart devices. The WattUp system is currently not intended for over-the-counter sale but will be designed into products. Energous plan to introduce their system at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas this January.