Growing Diversity of Qi-Compatible Devices and Chargers Increases Momentum for Universal Wireless Charging

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) today announced that several members are demonstrating new products and prototypes using its universal wireless charging standard, Qi (pronounced "chee") at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show. As the world's first low-power wireless charging standard, Qi brings simplicity, convenience, and flexibility to consumers because it ensures interoperability between any Qi-enabled device and any Qi charger, regardless of brand or manufacturer.  

Qi is supported by a growing list of 69 leading consumer electronics and technology companies from around the world who agree that Qi interoperability breaks through to new levels of convenience for consumers and offers broader product and pricing choices for the industry. Qi-compatible chargers and receivers are easily identified by the distinctive Qi logo indicating that they have been tested and certified by the WPC.

"A universal standard in wireless charging is inevitable," said WPC Chairman Menno Treffers. "In just four months since the release of the Qi standard, we have seen members develop an impressive range of new devices for Qi certification."  

The WPC will show the following select devices at Digital Experience on January 5th at Caesar's Palace:

• Energizer iPhone® 4 sleeve, an addition to their recently launched Inductive Charger and accessories
• Fulton Innovation transmitter
• Leggett & Platt Helios wireless chargers
• Texas Instruments bqTESLA™ wireless power reference design and evaluation kit

On January 7th at the Venetian Hotel, the WPC will host a demonstration of new Qi devices and prototypes, and a presentation about the future of wireless charging featuring an expanded list of members including LG, Sanyo, LS Cable and Leggett & Platt. Tina Teng, Senior Analyst - Wireless Communications for market research firm iSuppli, will present on wireless power charging and moderate a panel of experts from ConvenientPower, Energizer, Fulton Innovation, Nokia, and Philips Electronics. Teng will share research on the industry growth projections for wireless charging, with panelists discussing the Qi standard, how it impacts competition, the benefits of interoperability, and the roadmap for a future that includes medium-power and high-power standards.

WPC members also look to incorporate Qi into a wide range of infrastructure settings, including homes, hotels, airports, convenience stores and restaurant chains. Recently, Leggett & Platt unveiled Qi-enabled charging surfaces at the Windsor Airport in Canada.  

For more information visit: http://www.virtualpressoffice.com/kit/WirelessPowerConsortiumCES11 or www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com

About Qi and the Wireless Power Consortium

Established 17 December 2008, the Wireless Power Consortium's mission is to establish Qi as the global standard for powering rechargeable electronic products. The 69 members of the Wireless Power Consortium include industry leaders in mobile phones, consumer electronics, batteries, semiconductors, components, wireless power technology and infrastructure such as wireless operators, furniture and automotive parts companies. More information is available at http://www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com.

SOURCE Wireless Power Consortium