Wireless charging rivals merge to become AirFuel Alliance

Two of the three major wireless charging organizations are merging. The Alliance for Wireless Power and the Power Matters Alliance are now AirFuel Alliance. Both sides agreed to get together earlier this year, leaving the Wireless Power Consortium, owner of the Qi wireless standard, remaining by itself.

Because there is no clear cut winner in the battle for wireless charging leadership, most manufacturers have had to make nice to all of the individual groups. With the merger, AirFuel has 195 members. Some of those names, like Samsung, Microsoft and Qualcomm, are also members of WPC.

Part of the reason to combine the two organizations is to make wireless charging easier for the public to understand. The fewer the number of organizations, the easier it is for consumers to figure out exactly which wireless charging pad is supported by their smartphone. After the combination, both AirFuel and WPC systems will remain non-compatible.


The best solution for the public would be a single standard, but for now that is not in the cards. Meanwhile, brands that are associated with The Alliance for Wireless Power and the Power Matters Alliance will be retired after a short period of time. Eventually, certified products will be stamped with the AirFuel name and logo.

source: AirFuel via ZDNet