It’s based on the idea that electricity can be converted to a magnetic field that vibrates at a certain frequency. Anything that contains a corresponding electronics can be brought into that field, which causes that objects circuitry to also resonate with a matching magnetic field, which is then converted back into electricity.
Thus, electricity is sent wirelessly.
And apparently, it’s quite safe.
Of course, we’ve seen something similar in the Sonicare electric toothbrush, which has been out for quite a while, plus the Palm Pre recharges in a similar fashion. However, this new technology focuses on having a greater distance between the charging source and the chargee device.
When a TED Talk results in a standing ovation, you know it’s just resonated with the audience in a big way.
Shai Agassi’s idea resonates with me. I think he had me when he pointed out how American car companies (car 1.0) have always insulated themselves as an industry from what’s happening on the entire planet.
I hope he continues the good work, and hopefully, his plan will come to fruition.
It goes without saying that the original Star Wars trilogy inspired so many people, changed the paradigm of movie-making, and otherwise entertained millions, 100′s of millions of (or perhaps even a billion or two) people around the world, that creative, geeky type folks (of which I may be one) made all sorts of short films, homages and parodies on the series.
Here a a few that I’ve encountered over the years. I still get a smile when I watch them — maybe you will, too.
Star Wars meets 90′s reality-tv COPS
A really clever take on an imagined “what led up to?” tie in to a major plot point in A New Hope. I actually saw this circulating on VHS back in 1997-98, and am glad to see it’s been put online.
Star Wars Cars Salesman
Brilliant tie-in of lines from A New Hope, with an excellent actor portraying Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Chad Vader
This is the first in a series of “episodes” on the exploits of Darth Vader’s “brother”, Chad — the night shift manager at “Empire Market”. Quite awesomely funny!
