First long-distance charging system gets FCC approval

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA — A San Jose startup's long-distance charging system has just gotten approval from the Federal Communications Commission.

Energous announced on Tuesday that it received consumer safety certification for its midfield transmitter, which puts it one step closer to commercial availability.

The Wattup midfield transmitter converts electricity into radio frequencies, and can be attached or embedded into a desktop computer monitor.

Wattup can charge devices fitted with a receiver from a distance of up to three feet.

It can power multiple gadgets simultaneously, including computer accessories and personal devices, and automatically stops charging when the battery is full.

Energous also has a far field transmitter, which can reportedly power up devices from as far as 15 feet away, but has yet to receive FCC approval.

The company is set to showcase this new technology at CES 2018, which will run from January 9 to 12 in Las Vegas.