Wireless Charging: Standardization Is Key

Friday, December 31, 2010

Scottsdale, AZ -- While several different technologies are vying for market position in the wireless charging market, they all offer the benefits of charging mobile devices ranging from handsets to PCs simply by touching or being within proximity of a charging station. However, widespread adoption of wireless charging technology will be difficult without standardization and the market realizing, what In-Stat (www.in-stat.com) forecasts as, potential revenue of over $4 billion by 2014. “A number of consumer electronics OEMs have launched wireless charging initiatives and products,” says Jim McGregor, Chief Technology Strategist. “Palm has incorporated wireless charging technology into their Pre Smartphone product line and Dell has launched a wireless charging laptop that is charged when it is placed on a docking station. By designing device and charger to work together, additional features can be incorporated into the system, but few device vendors have the power to drive their own standards and build their own ecosystems.” Recent Research by In-Stat found the following:

* 28.3% of survey respondents indicated lack of standards as the most annoying issue in charging mobile devices.

* Early adopters of wireless charging will be users of niche devices.

* As with other technologies, prices are expected to degrade rapidly to about half of current pricing by 2014.

* Tightly coupled inductive charging systems are expected to be the early market leader.

* Of the integrated charging solutions, over two thirds are expected to be in cars.

The research, Cut the Cord: Mobile Wireless Charging Systems Analysis and Forecast (#IN1004855WH), covers the worldwide market for wireless device charging systems.