There is a nifty-gadget aspect of placing devices on a table and having them charge auto-magically, but for the most part wireless power is a waste.

Agreed. For things that need large amounts of power, water, network or waste disposal hard wiring/plumbing is definitely the way to go.

I also think that charging mats are the only way we are going to see wireless power. Sending IR lasers around a room powerful enough to charge a device is going to be a safety hazard.

You mean like a composting toilet?

And, not everyone is twitter's sockpuppet.