科技英语新闻:Wireless technology may change how consumers charge devices

LAS VEGAS, the United States, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- One of the most revolutionary changes for consumers that may come out of this year's International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will not be the electronic devices themselves, but the way they are charged.

Instead of using traditional cords to power mobile phones, kitchen appliances, and even vehicles, exhibits showcasing wireless power technologies offer a glimpse into the future of how individuals can charge their devices without a plug or cord.

Fulton Innovation, who develops and licenses its eCoupled intelligent wireless technology, demonstrated how the technology could be applied across a variety of usage cases at home and at work.

At CES, the company announced that it is releasing its next generation wireless power solutions that incorporate near-field resonant magnetic induction, allowing devices to charge without actually touching a charging surface.

Additionally, it will allow power to transfer through metal surfaces, a property which had previously been unsafe to use as a surface conductor for power.

While the products with integrated eCoupled capabilities currently in the marketplace focus predominantly on smartphone charging surfaces, in part due to the low-power demands of these devices, the company said there will be more applications using this technology expected to come to market in the near future.

A large part of the added production scale on the consumer level is due to the standardization of the industry.

In 2010, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) announced the finalization of the "Qi" standard, enabling interoperability for wireless charging between a power-providing device and electronics receiving power.

Currently, the Qi standard is only applicable for the wireless transmission of power up to five watts, and the WPC is undertaking steps to expand this standard to deliver up to 120 watts of power.

This standardization enables technology designers like Fulton Innovations to create underlying IP designs and technologies that work across a number of OEMs.

The WPC currently has over 100 member companies, including Fulton Innovation, Nokia, Samsung, Haier, and Huawei Technologies.

Fulton Innovation also expects to add its eCoupled technology to cars, giving automobile manufacturers the ability to install integrated charging platforms for mobile devices without additional wires or cords.

Chinese auto makers Geely, Chery, Chang'an, and Dongfeng were the first to showcase cars at a major auto show featuring Qi standard charging stations during the April 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.

The WPC estimates that there will be approximately five auto manufacturers who will release cars with Qi-enabled charging capabilities either late this year or early next year.