Smart power management is all about enabling an intelligent digital conversation between device and power source in order to determine the extent of supply and demand.

So it’s not a stretch to envision a reality in the not-too-distant future wherein the smart wireless hotspot paradigm that is currently revolutionizing the way we power up battery-operated devices reaches the final frontier: the wall socket.

Imagine a typical home scenario wherein device and power source engage in a digital conversation. A local wireless power “hotspot” surface with charging capabilities – neatly embedded behind the wall and connected to the main power grid – recognizes that a new power-needy device has just entered into the room. The device and power source engage in a friendly digital handshake that immediately determines the direction of their relationship.

If, for instance, this “nano power grid” detects that the device – say a vacuum cleaner – has an on-board digital certificate, indicating that it is a green energy-saving product, then its owner may in turn be rewarded with a reduced energy bill for its use.

Perhaps the vacuum cleaner is already 70% charged and not currently in use; the smart wireless hotspot can then choose when to charge it, again “offering” a savings credit in exchange for not over-burdening the grid during peak hours of demand.

By defining this intelligent digital layer of managed power above today's analog one, the next generation of smart devices – from home entertainment systems to kitchen appliances, personal grooming devices and beyond – can communicate on many levels with smart, wire-free nano power grids without anything ever needing to be plugged in.