Intel ceases work on wireless charging technology

Forbes contributor Elise Ackerman notes Intel has ceased working on its wireless charging technology. The chip giant closed its wireless charging development unit, claiming its internal development work was primarily focused on accelerating the ecosystem. The first laptops with wireless charging are expected later this year but some analysts believe the technology will fall short of expectations in terms of performance, the user experience, the efficiency and the cost level.

It may not be long before consumers have a chance to judge for themselves. At Computex, WiTricity showed off a Dell laptop with wireless charging to a reporter from CNET who announced the new gear was “coming soon.” Intel said in an email to me that it was continuing to work closely with WiTricity, an Intel Capital portfolio company, and “that many of our OEM partners are using” WiTricity’s solutions. Intel also said it was working with OEMs “to validate technical solutions.”