Wireless charging comes to Madison Square Garden (pictures)
Powermat is installing hundreds of wireless charging spots for mobile devices in the arena.
Roger Cheng
Roger Cheng (he/him/his) was the executive editor in charge of CNET News, managing everything from daily breaking news to in-depth investigative packages. Prior to this, he was on the telecommunications beat and wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal for nearly a decade and got his start writing and laying out pages at a local paper in Southern California. He's a devoted Trojan alum and thinks sleep is the perfect -- if unattainable -- hobby for a parent.
As part of Madison Square Garden's renovations, Powermat is installing 559 wireless charging spots throughout the arena. Shown here is a Powermat iPhone 4S case featuring the Knicks team logo. In case consumers don't have a Powermat case, they will be conveniently sold at the arena.
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Knicks are charged up
An iPhone 4S with a Knicks Powermat case sits next to one of the hundreds of charging spots littered throughout the arena. The cover has to touch the spot, and they have to align correctly before the charge begins.
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The Knicks Powerzone
Many of the charging stations sit atop several counters called "Powerzones." Simply drop the phone on top of one of the circles, and watch the battery charge go up.
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Powermat's product lineup
Powermat offers several products, including replacement back covers for Android phones with removable covers, cases for the iPhone or Galaxy S3, charging mats, and a backup battery than can be thrown on the mat for a quick charge.
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Only Powermat works here
Because of compatibility conflicts, only phones using Powermat's cases or back covers will work with the charging stations. Other phones that have been announced with built-in charging, including the Droid DNA and Lumia 920, won't work here.
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Powermat CEO hanging in the luxury suite
Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine seen here in one of the many new luxury suites at Madison Square Garden. The suites each have multiple charging stations.
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Charge while watching the game
One of the charging stations conveniently has a straight view toward the arena. Not bad considering the recent run the Knicks have had.
