Radio waves: Future way to help keep e-book readers charged up?
Imagine a cellphone that sucks up radio waves and uses the energy to help keep batteries charged. Nokia is experimenting with such arrangements. Technology Review has details.
Now suppose the power consumption of e-paper could be even less than it is today. Could the same concept—remember, we’re talking about battery-toppers, not complete power sources—work with more advanced versions of e-book gizmos like the Sony Reader?
June 10th, 2009 at 7:46 am
I don’t see this can’t work with almost any low-power electronic gadget. It’s something to look forward to.
June 10th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Absolutely, Steve. Of course one little detail makes me a bit nervous. If the radio waves are strong enough to power gadgets, what does this mean in terms of health risks from the same energy? Not sure. I’d love to hear people’s thoughts on this issue–the Topic Police in this case are on vacation (not that they’re that powerful anyway around here). Any interesting links people can dig up with authoritative information?
David
June 10th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Yes: Depending on the radio frequency used, there could be biologic issues… but we get bombarded with radio waves all the time, including low-power microwaves, with no ill-effects. The receiver will also be an important part of how flexible they are on which frequencies they can use to transmit power without creating biological hazards at the same time. We’ll just have to see what Nokia comes up with.