Using the principle of inductive coupling, eCoupled lets you power or charge just about anything without wires. Placing a small chip in a cellphone, frying pan or light bulb lets the system wirelessly conduct electricity. See it at work here.

Its makers, Fulton Innovation, are forming an alliance of companies planning use the technology, including such names as Motorola, Visteon, Herman Miller and Mobility Electronics.

More good news: this wireless induction trick won't add but a buck or two to the final cost of devices. Charge up that cellphone by placing it on a hotspot? Expect the first products using eCoupled by mid-summer. – Charlie White

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