Energous Says Long-Promised WattUp-Enabled Hearing Device Due in US in Q1

Wireless charging company Energous announced the first WattUp-enabled customer product to receive FCC approval for marketing and sale in the U.S. The company first said it planned to develop reference designs for embedded WattUp charging capabilities in SK Telesys products for the Asian and global markets in 2014. SK Telesys showed a personal sound amplification product (PSAP) and smart ID card using WattUp technology at CES 2017 (see 1701040018). Energous CEO Stephen Rizzone called the FCC’s approval of the PSAP, from SK Telesys partner Delight, a positive announcement for the company because it means the first WattUp-enabled consumer product moving into full commercial production “with anticipated availability in Q1.” Rizzone acknowledged multiple delays for the product, maintaining the “customer funnel is robust” for CE products in “growing vertical markets” for full production in 2019. PSAPs, used to assist with hearing loss, are available without a prescription and tend to cost less than hearing aids, said Energous. WattUp wireless charging technology allows users to recharge the Delight PSAP by placing it on the included WattUp charging pad. Energous is also working on over-the-air charging, but no products have been announced.