Intel has joined the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) with a board of directors seat. The A4WP technology, which uses near-field magnetic resonance technology, is capable of enabling the simultaneous charging of multiple devices and the flexible positioning of devices to be charged in multiple dimensions.

"Intel believes the A4WP specification, particularly the use of near-field magnetic resonance technology, can provide a compelling consumer experience and enable new usage models that make device charging almost automatic," said Navin Shenoy, vice president, PC client group and general manager, mobile client platform division at Intel. "In joining A4WP, we look forward to working alongside other member companies and contributing to standards that help fuel an ecosystem of innovative solutions capable of simultaneously charging a range of devices, from low-power accessories to smartphones, tablets and Ultrabooks."

The A4WP is an independent standards organization composed of more than 40 technology companies, including Broadcom, Gill Industries, Integrated Device Technology (IDT), Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics. The A4WP specification leverages broadly adopted wireless technologies (e.g. Bluetooth Low Energy), which simplifies development and manufacturing. For industrial designers, the A4WP specification utilizes a near-field magnetic resonance technology that provides flexibility for charging solutions to be installed into all types of products and surfaces (cars, furniture, etc.). Finally, for consumers, the A4WP specification supports simultaneous charging of multiple devices with widely differing power requirements and it delivers "spatial freedom," which lets consumers "drop & go" multiple devices onto a charging surface - without having to hassle with accurate positioning or alignment.