Nokia joins Wireless Power Consortium

HONG KONG: The Wireless Power Consortium announced that Nokia, the world's largest mobile phone manufacturer, has joined the Consortium.

"As the world's largest mobile phone manufacturer and leader in mobile telecommunications, Nokia brings a new dimension to the Consortium. This significantly expands the potential market traction of the Qi wireless charging standard," said Menno Treffers, Chairman, Wireless Power Consortium.

"Wireless charging technology carries significant potential to enhance consumer experience of battery charging," said Markku Verkama, Director, Devices R&D, Nokia.

"Consumers expect ease of use and general compatibility of mobile devices. By joining the Wireless Power Consortium, Nokia continues to support the open standards approach that aims to meet these consumer expectations. Wireless Power Consortium is the first serious effort by the leading companies to harmonize the wireless charging technologies."

Treffers said consumer research commissioned by the Consortium indicated that a universal standard in wireless power charging ranked within the top 20 percent of consumer lifestyle demands and that more than 80% of consumers surveyed saw wireless power as something they would use with virtually all of their electronic devices every time they charge them.

The Consortium's Qi universal standard pioneers the interoperability needed for easy, convenient wireless power charging everywhere.

Qi and Wireless Power Consortium
Established 17 December 2008, the Wireless Power Consortium's mission is to create and promote wide market adoption of Qi the international wireless power standard for interoperability across rechargeable electronic devices.

Members include ConvenientPower, Duracell, Hosiden, Fulton Innovation, Leggett & Platt, National Semiconductor, Nokia, Olympus, Philips, Samsung, Sanyo, Shenzhen Sangfei Consumer Communications, ST-Ericsson, and Texas Instruments.

The Wireless Power Consortium welcomes and invites all interested companies to join as members. More information can be found at wirelesspowerconsortium.com.

Qi is pronounced "chee" and means "vital energy".