In a step to reduce the fragmentation of the nascent wireless charging market the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) and Power Matters Alliance (PMA) sign a preliminary agreement "establishing global interoperability."

The move effectively reduces the number of wireless charging standards from two to three-- the aforementioned A4WP-PMA teamup and the Qi standard from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC).

Through the agreement PMA adopts A4WP magnetic resonance transmitter/receiver specifications, while the A4WP adopts PMA inductive specifications for "multi-mode inductive, magnetic resonance implementations." The two organisations will also collaborate on an open network API.

"Combining the standards from A4WP and PMA offer the best choices of core technologies and managed network services, delivering to consumers a seamless, easy-to-use and convenient wireless charging user experience," the PMA states.

Technically the agreement is not a merger-- the two organisations will remain separate, retaining own branding such as the A4WP's recently announced Rezence effort. What it does is unite the likes of Qualcomm, Intel, Samsung, Broadcom and WiTricity with Duracell, Starbucks and Energy Star, giving the two organisations further global clout.

Go Alliance for Wireless Power and Power Matter Alliance Join Forces