Intel joins Samsung, Qualcomm in Alliance for Wireless Power

The Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) has added Intel to its portfolio of members.

The chip maker has joined the alliance with a board of directors seat. Comprised of over 40 firms including Broadcom, Gill Industries, Integrated Device Technology (IDT), Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, the international industry association aims to bring an end to wire-based power transfer.

The consortium wants to "create a wireless power transfer (WPT) ecosystem that delivers spatial freedom in the user experience and industrial design of wireless battery charging of portable consumer electronics devices."

In January, the A4WP released a set of wireless charging specifications based on near-field magnetic resonance technology which allows consumers to power devices without needing to direct contacting chargers. The alliance says:

"The A4WP mission includes development of industry specifications for submission to national and international standards development organizations, management of an A4WP Certification program, including consumer-recognizable certification logo, and the coordination with national and international Regulatory agencies regarding WPT policy and compliance."

Intel sees a future in this type of technology, as Navin Shenoy, vice president, PC client group and general manager, mobile client platform division at Intel commented in prepared remarks:

"Intel believes the A4WP specification, particularly the use of near-field magnetic resonance technology, can provide a compelling consumer experience and enable new usage models that make device charging almost automatic. In joining A4WP, we look forward to working alongside other member companies and contributing to standards that help fuel an ecosystem of innovative solutions capable of simultaneously charging a range of devices, from low-power accessories to smartphones, tablets and Ultrabooks."

Intel hopes to develop Wireless Charging Technology (WCT), which would allow users to wirelessly charge smartphones and tablets simply by placing devices close to a laptop. Other members of the A4WP are also keen to develop the technology further -- Samsung has joined a number of wireless charging specification organizations in recent years, and Qualcomm has released its own version of wireless charging technology based on the organization's standards.