Apple’s future Macs could wirelessly power keyboards and mice at a distance

“Mac peripherals including keyboards could work without needing to be recharged with a cable or have new batteries installed, as Apple has been working on a wireless power supply system capable of transmitting power to peripherals like keyboards and trackpads over short distances,” Malcolm Owen reports for AppleInsider.
“As users shift towards wireless peripherals and accessories that work over Bluetooth instead of a physical connection, more people are discovering power-related inconveniences associated with the hardware,” Owen reports. “In a patent application published by the US Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday, Apple’s concept for a “Wireless Charging System with Radio-Frequency Antennas” attempts to solve the issue. Rather than relying on a charging coil in a device being in close proximity to a charging pad, Apple’s solution instead allows for the charging to take place over a short distance, such as within a foot of the charging point. ”
An example of how a transmitter in the iMac could be angled to charge only nearby devices on a desk
 
“The position on the display would make such a system ideal for charging nearby items, as it could be angled to cover an area of a desk without exposing the user directly to its transmissions,” Owen reports. “An iMac may not necessarily be limited to just one transmitter, as Apple suggests the use of one in the bottom-left and bottom-right corners, increasing the coverage area.”
Read more, and see more of Apple’s patent application illustrations, in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Truly wireless charging! (Unlike today’s primitive Qi stuff which, while slightly more convenient, requires, er, wires.)
Apple’s solution could also theoretically charge your Apple Watch right on your wrist as you mouse around and type – and your iPhone, iPad, and, someday soon, your Apple Glasses, too!
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