LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 2017 will usher in another year dominated by mobile – driving everything from AI to AR to IoT adoption – and wireless charging will be integral to its success, according to the AirFuel™ Alliance. The global consortium, which enables and accelerates the adoption of wireless power technology, just finished a strong 2016 and is gearing up for an even stronger 2017, punctuated by widespread adoption of its standards and continued market momentum for its technologies, most notably resonant.
According to Forrester Research, more mobile moments in 2017 will be on connected devices – from smart watches to home appliances to cars to virtual assistants – driving IoT adoption. And IoT (or the data derived form it) is having a profound impact on AI – everything from general intelligence (like GPS finding the best route home) to intelligent thought (think robotics). IDC analysts predict that by 2019, over 110 million consumer devices with embedded intelligent assistants will be installed in US households. This vast array of devices – built on multiple platforms requiring multiple technology solutions – underscores the need for a holistic approach to wireless charging, one that AirFuel Alliance delivers.
"The evolutionary nature of mobile requires an evolutionary approach to standards, especially for wireless charging," said Ron Resnick, President, AirFuel Alliance. "In 2017, we're going to see more change and growth. Resonant technology is moving from next-generation to now, delivering faster charging speeds and better spatial freedom. RF is proving itself a superior solution for wearables and IoT. We're going to see more adoption of newer technologies and some transitioning – all in the name of giving businesses and consumers the solutions they want and need. And AirFuel and its members will be at the forefront."
New Products
At CES, AirFuel members will debut new products based on AirFuel specifications – for example, Dell Latitude 7285 2-in-1 laptop, incorporating WiTricity resonant wireless charging. "We're excited to be ushering in 2017 without wires," said Neil Hand, VP of Product Strategy and Innovation, Dell. "Users want freedom from cords, plain and simple, and Dell, WiTricity and AirFuel are delivering. Our soon-to-be released Dell Latitude 7285 is a game-changing 2-in-1 laptop that provides a great 'no-wires' experience -- combining the world's first wireless charging 2-in-1 keyboard, a simple charging mat and WiGig wireless dock. The Latitude 7285 lets users dock and charge while they work or play, then head to a meeting, and back to their desk again without having to plug or unplug any wires. It represents a revolution in wireless charging and an exciting new user experience."
New Members
This past year, AirFuel attracted new members across the consumer electronics, semiconductor, design and manufacturing, and automotive industries. AirFuel also added new Board members Dell and Energous contributing to the organization's scope and expertise. These members have helped establish new task forces including one focused exclusively on wireless charging for PCs (speeding development by embedding technology and driving down costs) and another for wearables. In 2017, AirFuel will continue to grow the ecosystem to help members take full advantages of critical wireless charging solutions now and in the future.
New Locations
AirFuel is expanding. In 2016, the Alliance opened a new office in India – a growing mobile tech hub – to better support companies in that region and leverage the innovation being created throughout Asia-Pacific. In 2017, the Alliance has plans to expand even further, with more offices globally.
About AirFuel Alliance
AirFuel Alliance is an association dedicated to building a global wireless charging ecosystem based on best in industry inductive, resonant and future wireless charging technology. AirFuel Alliance's mission is to bring a diverse base of interoperable products to the global market that deliver the best wireless charging experience for consumers. Further, the Alliance continues to address future, non-magnetic technologies including RF, ultrasound and lasers that deliver power at a distance.
The organization membership is made up of 170 leading technology and consumer electronics companies, including board of directors companies Dell, Duracell, Energous, Gill Electronics, MediaTek, ON Semiconductor, Powermat Technologies, Qualcomm Inc., Samsung Electronics, Semtech, Starbucks and WiTricity.
Media Contact:
Sharen Santoski
AirFuel Alliance
617-755-6357
sharen@airfuel.org
SOURCE AirFuel Alliance
