30 Leaders Join Power Matters Alliance

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Big names in smartphone cases and wireless semiconductor lead a recent wave of companies backing the Power Matters Alliance - hot on the heels of industry giants AT&T, Google, and Starbucks.

Otterbox, the #1 selling case maker for smartphones, threw its weight behind the PMA, as did case makers Incipio and Skech - both of whom will exhibit PMA-compatible cases at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.  Similarly, Integrated Device Technology (NYSE: IDT), one of the leading chipset vendors for wireless power, and NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI) – a global leader in RF, Analog and Power Management - both joined the PMA.  Also joining the PMA is Arconas - the leading designer and manufacturer of furniture for airports and public spaces - having installed PMA-compatible charging spots in 20 airports across the USA.  Other notable new members include APS Technologies, Diodes, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Everpurse, Foxlink, IGRS China, Leyden Energy, Microsemi, Microtips Technology, Monolithic Power Systems, MxMedia, NXT health, ON Semiconductor, Silicon laboratories, Telegesis, TennRich International and World Fair International.

"With the backing of AT&T, Powermat, Google, P&G and Starbucks, the PMA has become more prominent in the wireless power marketplace," said Jason dePreaux, principal analyst for emerging power technologies at IHS. "Its recent membership additions highlight the growing interest in building a wireless power ecosystem that allows users to charge their devices at cafes, airports, and other destinations. IHS estimates the wireless power industry to grow to 100 million units by 2015 and PMA members are important constituents in the market."

PMA membership has tripled in the past month, and its board now includes AT&T, Duracell, Starbucks, Powermat, and the US Government's Energy Star and Federal Communications Commission (both board observers).  Google's Chief Internet Evangelist – Vint Cerf – is Honorary Chairman of the board.  Facebook, General Motors, and Delta Airlines are among the global leaders that have also backed the PMA.

"We're very excited to be joining the PMA, at a time when wireless charging is gaining considerable momentum and is becoming a key consideration in the deployment of new technologies," said Michael Bruno, Senior Director Business Development of Emerging Technologies at NXP Semiconductors.

The PMA's efforts to set a global standard for smart and environmental wireless power operates under the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Industry Connections program – and PMA members are working to create a real-world ecosystem of wireless power based on the PMA standard (for examples, see poweruphere.com).

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