Samsung and Qualcomm are spearheading a new group aimed at advancing technology capable of charging consumer electronics without cords.
Launched earlier this week at CTIA Wireless 2012, the Alliance for Wireless Power, or A4WP, will develop standards, certification programs and technical specifications for wireless power technology.
The standard is still in development but is expected to differ from other wireless power systems. The companies said their approach will include an easily implemented design for the transmitter and receiver antennas, a simple control system, and the ability to transfer power through non-metallic surfaces without expensive multi-coil repeaters required in other systems.
The “envisioned” specifications will be able to handle simultaneous charging of both low-power products like Bluetooth headsets and battery-hungry devices such as tablets, Qualcomm and Samsung said.
This is not Qualcomm’s first foray into wireless power. It announced plans in early 2011 to work with Duracell and Powermat on uses for its inductive wireless energy transfer WiPower technology.
A4WP has a number of other members, including Ever Win Industries, Gill Industries, Peiker Acustic, Powermat Technologies and SK Telecom. The group is currently open to new members.