Is Wireless Charging a $13 Billion Strikeout?

Wireless charging has been around for a long time, but its definition is somewhat blurry. When people think of wireless charging they think of power mats, Ikea’s latest furniture, or other hardware. Basically it’s the difference between plugging a cord into a power socket or your computer, and placing it on what is often referred to as a “charging station.” This is a growing and lucrative market, forecasted at $13.78 billion by 2020.

Can this form of wireless charging, however, truly be described as mobile? After all, each of these charging devices is still connected to a stationary power source. It’s pretty difficult to leave the phone flat on a table charging station at the same time as making a call (unless you want to look like you are taking a quick nap and also talk in your sleep!).  Not to mention it’s completely energy-inefficient, as charging stations suck energy even when not in use, and the large air gap just results in wasteful energy flow.

The world has changed, and people no longer want to be restricted. Consumers now expect true mobility, anytime and anywhere, and when we are at the airport, if you’re like me, you don't want to sit next to a plug socket to get power or have your head on a charging station. As people continue to embrace ubiquitous wireless technology, and as our data consumption increases, we are rapidly approaching a point where battery limitations and the hassle of power sockets are limiting our ability to be truly mobile. People no longer want to be tethered to the wall socket, reliant on the grid, or come up for air every few hours. Also, this problem is going to be exasperated when another 4.4 billion people get online. While major tech leaders are making great strides, with Facebook’s Internet.org and Google’s Project Loon, the same challenge exists—how to power the devices that will keep developing countries connected.

The challenge is that right now the world we live in is restricted by the traditional way that energy is delivered. How we access power is archaic and in some cases power is not readily available. We are still tied to the wall socket and that limits longevity of what we can do with our devices. For businesses looking to capitalize on new mobile and social experiences that demand constant power; for consumers who frequently turn to their smartphone or other mobile-enabled device for data-driven experiences, mobile apps and social connections; and for developing markets that rely on mobility and power for commerce and education. In fact, mobile phone use in developing countries has surpassed that of developed areas—this mobile revolution is transformative not only for commerce and community but for safety, yet key issues revolve around power.