Rival Wireless Charging Organizations AW4P And PMA Combine To Form AirFuel Alliance
This doesn't come as a shock -- the companies announced plans earlier this year to merge. Now that it's been finalized, the AirFuel name and logo will take over for future products, while brands associated with the former A4WP and PMA identities go into retirement following a "suitable grace period."
"AirFuel technology is the next step in fast-tracking the commercialization of wirelessly charged products," said Ron Resnick, President of AirFuel Alliance. "We embrace a new, inclusive ideal of wireless charging and those member companies within AirFuel Alliance are energized towards bringing wireless power products to consumers globally."
The two former rivals claim 195 global customers (and growing), including heavyweights like AT&T, Broadcom, Duracell, Intel, Powermat, Samsung, Qualcomm, MediaTek, Starbucks, and many more.
AirFuel will focus on continued advances in wireless charging through inductive, resonant, and future standards. However, it's not the only major firm operating in the space. There's also the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), which is responsible for the Qi charging standard. Its technology is found several wireless chargers and devices, even furniture sold by Ikea.
Companies like Samsung and MediaTek have sued wireless charging technologies by both firms and will likely continue to do so, at least until one proves the definitive winner.