Intel Demonstrates Wireless Charging Technology; Verizon to Search with Google

Officials from Intel Corp. recently demonstrated technology allowing wireless charging of devices without being directly connected to electrical outlets. In other news, Verizon Wireless is getting ready to establish a mobile search deal with Google, Inc., while American Airlines, Inc. started to offer Internet connectivity on some of its flights.

Focal Points:

• Researchers from Intel recently demonstrated new technology that would enable the ability to charge cell phones and laptops that were disconnected from electrical outlets. This is done by using electric coils that resonate at the same frequency.  Intel engineers lighted a 60 watt light bulb from a distance of three feet, while achieving a 75 percent efficiency rating. However, researchers cautioned that it will take additional research and development before this technology will be able to be used in a commercial product. Current charging coils used in the lab are too big for use in commercial devices.
• A recent published report said that Verizon Communications is close to having a deal with Google that would establish Google as the primary default search engine for Verizon Wireless devices. The deal would give Verizon the share of the ad revenue, in addition to expanding search services to other Verizon domains, including its Web portal and FiOS television. The two companies would split revenues from ads that came up in a search based on the keywords used. However, the percentage split between the companies is not known.
• Officials from American Airlines recently announced the availability of broadband networking services on selected flights. The service is available on Boeing 767-200 aircraft that have nonstop flights between New York and San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami. The broadband access will be available once the planes reach 10,000 feet and will enable access for corporate VPNS, e-mail, and general Web connectivity. The service is called Gogo, and is provided by Aircell LLC, which received an exclusive frequency license from the Federal Communications Commission, to provide Wi-Fi in all American Airlines' cabins. The service costs $12.95 for flights longer than three hours. The service does not include VoIP or cell phone service.

Experton Group believes wireless services will continue to increase in penetration in both consumer and business markets. Business adoption of search services is likely to be slower than the consumer market. Broadband service on airplanes is likely to be fairly popular, with pricing that is going to be seen reasonable by both business users and consumers. Wireless power devices are probably not going to be very popular or practical, since battery technology has been progressing where most laptops will last long enough to not require wireless charging by the time that technology will be commercially available. IT executives should evaluate potential security issues related to broadband wireless use and ensure corporate portable devices have adequate wireless security protection.