Samsung and Qualcomm Partner on Wireless Charging

Samsung and Qualcomm, along with other industry leaders, have announced a partnership on the creation of the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP). 

The new organization was created to promote the standardization of wireless power transfer technology, to develop product testing, certification and regulatory compliance processes, and to work with regulators on wireless power policy development. 

The new alliance will target a wide range of devices and aims at establishing a worldwide wireless power technology ecosystem.

The A4WP will work on new wireless power transfer technology to offer freedom for charging electrical devices in cars, on tabletops and for multiple devices simultaneously.

The wireless power approach involves a transmitter and receiver antenna design, along with a wireless control system, and the possibility to transfer the power through nonmetallic surfaces. 

The goal is to provide the wireless charging capabilities to a multitude of devices, including Bluetooth headsets or tablet PCs. 

“Wireless power has the potential to increase convenience and improve the user experience in consumer devices like mobile phones by untethering the charging process,” Jason dePreaux, a research manager at IMS Research, stated. 

“For these benefits to be realized, wireless power infrastructure must be deployed to enable wireless charge points in the home, at work, or while traveling without concern for compatibility. Industry alliances will play a critical role in developing this infrastructure.” 

In addition to Samsung and Qualcomm, the A4WP also includes Ever Win Industries, Gill Industries, Peiker Acustic, Powermat Technologies, and SK Telecom.

The alliance is open and welcomes members from the handheld devices industry, as well as those from consumer electronics and semiconductor products, wireless carriers, test equipment and retail. 

"A4WP will accelerate the commercialization of this technology and will contribute to expanding its market,” Executive Vice President KiHo Kim, head of digital media & communications R&D Center, Samsung Electronics, said. 

“As a founding member of A4WP, Samsung is committed to supporting standardization of wireless charging technology boasting spatial freedom, contributing to the eco-system, and exploring possibilities of a variety of services.”

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