Powermat Technologies
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Powermat Technologies Ltd. is a developer of wireless energy transfer solutions, best known for its wireless charging cases and wireless charging mats for smartphones and other mobile devices. The company's inductive charging technology is embedded into OEM devices and sold in retail channels under the brand Duracell Powermat.[1]
History
The firm was founded in 2006 by Ran Poliakine, and launched its first products in 2009. Since then, it has sold millions of its units around the world at major retailers.[2]
In January 2011, General Motors announced that it would integrate Powermat's wireless charging technology into certain vehicles in its 2013 Chevrolet Volt line, and would take a $5 million equity stake in the private company.[3]
In September 2011, Powermat and Procter & Gamble created a joint venture, under the Duracell Powermat brand. [4] The venture began operations in January 2012. In February 2012, it announced that the entertainer Jay-Z signed on as the "face and voice" of the venture, and took an equity stake in the company. As part of a partnership with Madison Square Garden, the arena features Duracell Powermat charging surfaces in a number of suites and other areas, beginning in mid-2012.[5] Jay-Z's 40/40 Club in New York City has Duracell Powermat charging hotspots throughout, embedded in side tables and other areas.[6] In October, 2012, Powermat and Starbucks announced a pilot program to install Powermat charging surfaces in the tabletops in selected Starbucks stores in the Boston area. [7]
Wireless Power Standards Alliance
In March 2012, Powermat Technologies along with Procter & Gamble founded the Power Matters Alliance(PMA). The PMA, an alliance of leading industry and governmental organizations, is dedicated to advancing smart and environmentally sound wireless power [8]. The PMA was created under the auspices of the IEEE, with the intention of remaking consumers’ daily interaction with power as wireless, environmentally sound, and smart the PMA builds on existing wireless-power technologies, while developing the suite of standards that will be needed to provide advanced wireless power at home and on the move.[9]. AT&T and Starbucks had announced joining the board of the PMA in October, 2012[10].
References
- ^ Preuschat, Archibald (2012-02-24). "Phones Become Smarter, Batteries Lag, But Changes Are Afoot - WSJ.com". Online.wsj.com. Retrieved 2012-05-15.
- ^ Amanda Massa (2012-04-18). "Ditch The Cords! Power Your Electronics On A High Tech Pad". Forbes. Retrieved 2012-05-15.
- ^ Woodyard, Chris (2011-01-06). "GM-Powermat deal turns cars into cordless chargers". Usatoday.Com. Retrieved 2012-05-15.
- ^ "Duracell, wireless power company Powermat team up". September 14, 2011.
- ^ "Jay-Z is new face of wireless charging –". Usatoday.com. 2012-01-09. Retrieved 2012-05-15.
- ^ "Duracell Powermat wants to turn NYC into a wireless-charging hot spot". www.techhive.com. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
- ^ "Boston-area Starbucks testing wireless smartphone charging; Starbucks, Google and AT&T back PMA standard". October 29, 2012.
- ^ Power Matters Alliance Official website
- ^ The IEEE Industry Connections Program website
- ^ "Boston-area Starbucks testing wireless smartphone charging; Starbucks, Google and AT&T back PMA standard". October 29, 2012.