Having to plug in supposedly mobile devices like laptops is one of the most hindering aspects of modern technology. That’s why groups such as the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) have been working toward new technologies and standards for wireless charging.
While much of this work has been geared toward smaller devices like smartphones, the A4WP is announcing today a new focus on larger devices like PCs, according to The Verge. A new version of its Rezance wireless technology can charge devices between 20 and 50 watts, a range that suits average laptops and ultrabooks. Along with this technology comes news of the A4WP’s latest member: PC-maker Dell.
“We are excited to work with other industry leaders in the A4WP to deliver on the promise of easy, flexible wireless charging across an array of mobile devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops,” Glen Robson, Dell’s chief technology officer, is quoted in The Verge.
One Standard to Rule Them All
If the A4WP has been working on wireless charging technologies, why do we have yet to see these technologies go mainstream? One reason is that different groups are working on different standards, making it hard for device manufacturers to decide which standards to abide by. After all, if you create a wireless charging mat, you want to make sure it will be compatible with as many devices as possible. With last week’s news, however, of A4WP and the Power Matters Alliance (by which Duracell’s Powermat abides) entered a preliminary agreement to begin merging their standards, it might soon become easier for device manufacturers to choose one standard to follow.
Featured image by Marissa Anderson
