In one episode of CSI (I can’t remember which one, with Las Vegas, Miami and New York going around), one of the investigators placed a smart phone on a table top which then extracted and displayed the files within the device on the table top itself, which played the role of a high-tech induction based data extraction device and touch-screen. Pretty cool eh? I wonder such technologies exists at this point of time since CSI is known to take liberties on how forensic equipment is portrayed on the TV screen.

While the device might be fictional, I came across something that works on the principle of induction (e.g. Look Mum! No cables attached!) in the form of a non-contact induction charging pad for the Nintendo DSi and DSi XL. CTA Digital (https://ctadigital.com) has introduced a new accessory for the Nintendo® DSi™ and DSi™ XL, the Induction Charging Pad with rechargeable battery.

Using the latest in induction technology, the Charging Pad allows mobile gamers to simply rest their portable gaming units on top of the pad, eliminating the hassle of connecting the DSi to a tangled web of cables for charging or swapping out their batteries regularly .By simply swapping out the DSi’s battery with the included lithium ion battery, which features induction charging technology, gamers can lay their devices on the charge pad to fully recharge the units.

Powered by either a USB cable or the included DC 5volt adapter, the versatile touch charge pad takes only four hours to fully charge the induction technology battery to allow users to return to gaming as quickly as possible. The induction technology means that gamers can simply place their DSi units on the charger, rather than having to match miniscule metal touch points or connect troublesome cables.

The DSi or DSi XL can be configured in a few easy steps to use the charging pad. Using the included screwdriver, mobile gamers can easily unscrew the previous battery from their DSi units, replace with CTA Digital’s included lithium ion battery, connect the charging pad to a power supply, turn on the charging pad, and place the DSi or DSi XL on top of the charging pad. The device’s four LED lights display the power level and charge of the battery. When the charge is completed, the LED lights remain brightly lit. The charging pad uses a charging current of about 500mA.

The CTA Digital Nintendo DSI Induction Charging Pad is available at Amazon (click here) and many other retail outlets, including retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy. In the mean time, check out the Charging Pad demo video: