We've seen a number of wireless power systems come and go, but for all the hype-filled bombast and occasional working demo, the tech just hasn't gone anywhere -- but even with that background, Intel's demo of a wireless power system that can broadcast 60 watts of power up to three feet at IDF with 75 percent efficiency has us giddy with excitement. The system works using essentially the same magnetic induction principle as all the others, but Intel's seems the furthest along, and the company hopes to one day be able to charge laptops with it. Yeah, we'll take three.

Ah, the things I would do if I had the ability to beam energy at a distance. Who would need a clapper anymore? Just point at the light switch. Turn the coffee pot on? I'll do it from the living room, hon. No problem. Power out on your side of the block? Hook your wireless energy adaptor up to your neighbor's house for a temporary fix. It only gets cooler when it's actual lightning bolts you get to shoot at your whim. Depending on whether you can shoot them from an appendage, this technology could go from fairly amazing to incredulously awesome.