UK start-up Splashpower appears to have made some tangible progress developing their wireless charging pads in the last year, first appearing at CES2008, then cutting deals with Singapore's MWg and signing a manufacturing agreement with UK-based ALBA. This can only mean one thing: the SplashPad induction chargers are finally on their way.

For those of you who missed their up-and-down announcements over the last 7 years, Splashpower's flagship product is a wireless power charger designed to provide easy recharging for your mp3 players, cellphones, digital cameras, and other small consumer electronics.

Simply place your device on the Splashpad and as if by magic, the battery will be charged. Sadly, it's not real magic, but in fact a rather efficient form of Electromagnetic Induction - similar to that found in most electric toothbrushes.

Reportedly, the Splashpad is capable of optimizing induction to 96% efficiency (ie. only 4% of the power is "lost"). Quite a claim, but if they can pull it off it won't be too long before all high-end devices are fitted with Induction Circuits.

The Splashpad can (theoretically) charge multiple devices at once! If this takes off, expect to see Induction tables at some point in the future.

Now if they'll just be sure to produce an 'elite' model (preferably black, metal and shiny), we won't have to put up with that 2006/2007-esque Apple White.

Splashpower's Splashpad is scheduled for retail at an undisclosed point during 2008, and will most likely come in a range of products: Induction Adaptors ($20-$50), Large pads ($150-$200), and small pads ($40-$80).

More Resources
- Splashpower Contact-less power transfer patent @freepatentsonline.com
- Splashpower Overview @splashpower.com
- Splashpower FAQ @splashpower.com
- Contradictory Wikipedia page @wikipedia.org
- Wireless Energy Transfer @wikipedia.org