Samsung, Qualcomm form wireless power alliance

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Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm have joined forces with five other technology firms to form the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP).

The aim of the independent organisation is to develop a new wireless charging technology that will enable users to charge a range of electrical devices in cars, on tabletops or in airports, for example, and to repower multiple devices at once. Benefits of this approach, according to Samsung, include: a transmitter and receiver antenna design that is easily implemented, a simple wireless power control system, and the ability to transfer power through non metallic surfaces. The A4WP expects to achieve this capability without the need for costly multi coil repeaters, which are required for other systems. A single specification is envisioned that will address simultaneous charging of multiple devices ranging from very low power products, such as Bluetooth headsets, to today's most sophisticated tablets. "A4WP will accelerate the commercialisation of wireless power and will contribute to expanding its market," said Samsung's KiHo Kim. "As a founding member of A4WP, Samsung is committed to supporting the standardisation of wireless charging technology boasting spatial freedom, contributing to the eco system, and exploring possibilities of a variety of services."