Strong Consumer Demand for Universal Wireless Power

The Wireless Power Consortium is pursuing universal wireless power due to a strong demand from consumers. Market research from sources such as the Ipsos Vantis AcuPOLL have indicated a strong demand for a power solution that converges with the growing international wireless lifestyle.


The studies were conducted in 2007 and 2008 and focused on teens, adults and seniors from around the world. Among the 35,000 concepts tested at AcuPOLL over a period of 18 years, wireless power still rates in the top 20 percent of all the ideas presented to consumers for evaluation. The Wireless Power Consortium is striving for an interoperable wireless power standard for consumer devices requiring up to 5 Watts of power.

The groups surveyed in the research expect wireless power to fulfill a real need for them. These groups also view wireless technology as a universal alternative to the current options available for charging their electronic devices. According to the research, over 80% of consumers will use wireless power with all their electronic devices.

Since most users own more than one mobile phone, Internet-enabled device, portable music and video players, the result is a tangle of wires and bulky chargers. A universal wireless power charging standard will enable electronic products and charging stations that use the same standard to recognize each other and charge. Different brands and different devices will be able to re-charge using the same battery and charging station.

Wireless battery charging is considered a new product feature among feature-rich possibilities. It has become a main feature in mobile phones, remote controls, cameras, MP3 players, video recorders, PDAs and other battery operated consumer products. It will eliminate the need for multiple chargers, thereby reducing clutter and adding convenience by providing a single interoperable power source to service multiple devices.

According to Menno Treffers, Chairman of the Wireless Power Consortium, the market research presents an interest in a universal wireless power solution. The Consortium’s goal of providing the specification for low-power devices is driven by this specific need from consumers. The Wireless Power Consortium aims to create and promote market adoption of an international wireless low-power delivery standard for compatibility across electronics devices.