Wireless power technology organisations to merge

"The 'standards war' narrative presents a false choice," said Kamil Grajski, Board Chair and President, A4WP. "Consider that the typical mass-market smartphone contains a multiplicity of radio technologies (Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, 3G, LTE), each built around a vibrant ecosystem, whereas other devices are single-mode (Bluetooth headset). The A4WP-PMA merger is in the same spirit: enable the market to apply technologies to their best use cases." "The key to volume economics is to combine best-in-class wireless power transfer technology with innovative cloud-based network services," said PMA president Ron Resnick. "The best in breed combination of A4WP and PMA assures decision makers throughout the industry of responsible stewardship of these essential contributing technologies." One of the main objectives of the merged organisation – which will have a new name – is to accelerate the transition of wireless power technology to volume. For the consumer electronics industry, the two organisations claim, the benefit will be a competitive, multi-source and innovative supplier base. However, the Wireless Power Consortium, which is developing the Qi wireless charging standard has not joined the initiative. The consortium, which has more than 180 members, is led by Nokia.