Powermat Joins the Wireless Power Consortium, Moving Qi Closer to Becoming the Main Standard

Wireless charging system producer Powermat has joined the Wireless Power Consortium, which is a move that is likely to make Qi the main wireless charging standard.

In becoming the latest firm to join the WPC, Powermat claims it will “contribute its technology and expertise to further advance inductive wireless charging capabilities.” However, the company will keep backwards compatibility with the Qi standard. In a statement, Powermat CEO Elad Dubzinski said:

“Qi has become the dominant wireless charging standard on the market and the recently launched Apple iPhone lineup is evidence of this success. Powermat will share technology innovation to further unlock wireless charging potential, and will expedite the growth of the wireless charging infrastructure, bringing wireless charging to wherever users need it.”

In a statement, WPC Chairman Menno Treffers welcomes Powermat to the consortium. He said:

“Powerat joining the WPC further unifies the wireless charging ecosystem behind the Qi global standard.”

Powermat has long competed against Qi by backing the PMA standard. As well as selling its own charging systems, the PMA technology also made its way to businesses to create public charging spots, with retailers and restaurants using it at their outlets to allow customers to recharge their devices.

While the announcement of joining the WPC seems as if Powermat is giving in to its main rival, the announcement does not mention what will happen to PWA in the future.

[via The Verge]