The Power Matters Alliance (PMA) seems to have picked up some new members. That and, we are also heading some PMA related news coming from AT&T, who have announced some good news for those who may be looking to get a handset with integrated wireless charging. The new members include Samsung, HTC and LG.
Of course, along with AT&T, other companies such as Google and Starbucks had previously pledged support. Basically, it looks like the Power Matters Alliance is once again picking up some traction. As for the AT&T side of the news, they plan to begin offering smartphones with integrated wireless charging in 2014.
Sure, we have seen some handsets with wireless charging up until this point, however this update from AT&T comes with word that they now full support the “concept of an industry standard for wireless power.” As such, this means AT&T will begin asking their device suppliers to integrate PMA-certified wireless charging solutions by 2014. AT&T has also said they will be working with their suppliers to “deploy PMA-certified handsets and accessories as quickly as possible.”
As of now it is fairly hard to find a publicly available wireless charging spot here in the US. The PMA has said “over” 1,500 charging spots are available so far. Those can be found at select Starbucks as well as some airports and other locations such as Madison Square Garden and The Garden State Plaza Mall. Bottom line here, wireless charging sports are pretty rare here in the US, but with the PMA membership having increased “tenfold” over the previous five months, it looks like that may begin to change.
[via Engadget]
