One of the major challenge which users face with their smartphones, laptops and other devices is that they run out of charge very soon. By the time they end their day, users would have charged their device multiple times in order to make their phone run with multiple power hungry apps working on it. As a result users are forced to carry their power banks with them, and at times they realise that their power banks also run out of charge.
All this is expected to change with the wireless charging technology which will enable users to charge their devices wirelessly when they are in their office, restaurant and even while on the move i.e. on trains, buses etc. The greatest benefit of this technology is that it will have the capability to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Currently this technology is in its nascent stage but AirFuel Alliance (AFA), an association, is aiming at building a global wireless charging ecosystem and is on a mission to bring a diverse base of interoperable products to the global market that deliver wireless charging experience for consumers.
Currently, the organisation membership consists of around 170 technology and consumer electronics companies such as AT&T, Dell, Duracell, Samsung Electronics, Starbucks and WiTricity. Pilot runs of wireless charging is already underway in the United States and is likely to spread to other parts of the world soon.
Interestingly, the AirFuel Alliance very recently set up its new regional office in India and appointed technology veteran Joydeep Bose, as its program director. Bose will drive its effort in the region. According to researchers at IHS, Inc., the wireless charging receiver market is expected to reach one billion units in the next three years and the Asia Pacific Region (APAC) is expected to dominate the market. With many of those receivers built in to consumer devices ranging from smartphones to laptops to wearables, India is expected to provide a huge opportunity for such a market.
“AirFuel Alliance is creating technical specifications, product certification and global interoperability needed to help the world 'power up without plugging in' and I am excited to bring those resources to India. Unlike other wireless charging organisations, AirFuel has established a seamless interoperable global ecosystem wherein mobile devices can be charged in locations like homes, offices, restaurants, and hotels, as well as in vehicles and on public transportation. We are making it possible to charge a variety of devices all in one place even those with differing power requirements. This will not only create an ecosystem where consumers can quickly and conveniently charge anywhere and anytime, but it will impact both existing and future applications, from smartphones, tablets, notebooks, and wearables, to the Internet of Things (IoT), and other industrial, automotive, and logistics uses. Samsung is backing wireless charging and we hope that Apple will join us and enable their wireless charging to work and support our technology in the future. We expect millions of public charging spots in the future,” Bose told THE WEEK.
The AFA standards include resonant charging, inductive charging and radio frequency (uncoupled). The Alliance claims that each technology has distinct benefits. “With resonant charging, any enabled surface can power a device, up to 50 mm height and from a wide surface area. With inductive charging, devices can receive a charge when placed directly atop a charging surface up to 15 mm distance. Our Alliance supports RF(uncoupled) technology standards, which are most applicable for low power devices, like wearables, that have a need for wireless charging at greater distances and regardless of form factor,” added Bose.
