Appliance vendor Haier announces a partnership with wireless charging developer Energous-- one seeing Energous embed its WattUp chargers into Haier appliances in the near future.

WattUp technology uses the same radio bands as wifi routers (5.7 and 5.8MHz) and claims to provide 4W of wireless power from up to 4.5m distance, without need for placing devices on a mat. However devices need to carry WattUp receiver technology in order to actually sip from the wireless power.

“WattUp is a natural fit for a wide range of Smart Home products,” Haier says. “As Haier Wireless continues to make efforts and the wireless power industrial ecosystem continues to improve in the connected home market, Haier will accelerate industrialization application of true wire-free charging technology. In our vision, WattUp-embedded Haier Wireless appliances would serve as transmitters for any WattUp-enabled device that is within range.”

Through the Haier will embed WattUp transmitters in all kinds of appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and microwaves, among others. Interestingly, the larger the appliance the more potentially powerful its wireless charging potential is, as it can carry more transmitter antennas.

"Expanding into the Smart Home is a central piece of Energous’ roadmap, and WattUp transmitter deployments into Haier Wireless’ household appliances gives us a new channel to do so,” Energous says. “This will enable us to create an always-on charging environment in high-traffic areas in homes, offices, retail stores and other commercial spaces.”

Energous adds it has deals with battery, smartphone sleeve and wearable device makers in the works, and the first WattUp-enabled devices should start hitting the market between Q4 2015 and Q1 2016.

Go Haier Wireless Inks Wire-Free Charging Agreement With Energous