Since 2008 he has been instrumental in driving key Targus products and partnerships with major customers worldwide. Currently Mike Sexton leads the global product management and marketing and is primarily responsible for driving the company’s power products and managing B2B and OEM alliance. In an interview with Shubhendu Parth, he elaborates on how wireless charging technologies are shaping up.

What is the status of research in wireless charging? When can we expect a commercial launch?

We have been monitoring wireless charging technology for several years and have developed and tested several prototypes. The first Targus wireless charging products will be for smartphones and we expect to launch it within six months.


How will the merger of power matters alliance (PMA) and the alliance for wireless power (A4WP) impact the wireless charging technology development?

We believe that the merger of the PMA and A4WP groups will accelerate the development of wireless charging technology by simplifying the options in the near future. We see continued consolidation of technology standards over the next two years and envision a future where there is one primary standard.


How do you compare the wireless charging technologies of PMA-A4WP merged entity with that of wireless power consortium’s Qi standard?

We think that in the near future all three standards will be in the marketplace and have R&D efforts involving all three technologies. However, the ability to create products using A4WP technology that are higher on power and allow the charger and the device to be separated, and is non contact based, opens up opportunities for usage models that the end users desire.


How is Targus gearing up to the wireless charging space, particularly since the company is well placed in handheld and laptop accessory market?

Targus is looking to expand on our market leading lineup of cases and power products by bringing to market wireless charging solutions that provide excellent user experiences. We are designing and developing charging solutions for consumers and businesses addressing both transmission and receiving.       


Intel has announced that by the end of 2015 companies will be able to release wireless charging adapters for existing devices. Since Targus is an Intel partner, can you share more details on the product development?

Targus is developing charging pads for use with multiple devices and protective cases that enable devices without integrated wireless charging. Targus is exploring several industrial design options and will finalise the products based on testing and market research. 


Experts have also been talking about built-in support for Rezence charging in laptops and other devices. Is Targus working on these technologies as well? When can we expect to see any such release?

Targus is following the technology developments and is eager to create products that bring wireless charging to smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The exact timeline of when wireless charging products for laptops will be in the market is still evolving, but there is a likelihood that this will happen within the next two years.


The Wi-Fi has truly made connectivity wireless. However, researchers point out that charging might not be as “un-wiring” as it might sound. How “wire-free” will the wireless charging actually be?

I am very optimistic about wireless charging in the long run and envision a day when you will be able to charge your devices by just walking into a room. In the near-term, wireless charging pads that are mounted under desks and tables will bring in a paradigm shift in how we charge the devices and gadgets. In longer-term, it will eliminate the need to plug in cables to your devices.


But how safe are these technologies in terms of radiation and other emission? Has the industry been able to define the health and safety standards?

Targus takes quality and safety very seriously and maintains a high standard in all of its products. We conduct rigorous tests and make sure our products are certified in compliance with regulatory and safety requirements of countries we sell in around the world. In addition, the wireless charging standards bodies such as A4WP are working hard to make sure the technology is safe. 


When do we see launch of such devices in India?

We are still finalising our regional launch plans at this time, but I hope we will see products in the Indian market by early 2016.

parth@governancenow.com