Intel partner to release mobile charging scale this year

An unnamed Intel partner will launch a shell this year that charges smartphones and other electronics via magnetic induction. The shell should make it easier to charge small devices.

Intel showed a concept of the charging shell early this year during a presentation at the CES electronics show. Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said at CNet’s MakerCon meeting in New York that the accessory received the most attention of all Intel announcements at CES, with people constantly asking when it would be available.

The CEO has not yet named a prize and he has not yet announced the partner who will introduce the scale at the end of this year. The scale works with magnetic induction based on the Rezence standard of the Alliance for Wireless Power, which, in addition to Intel, also supports LG, Dell and Samsung.

According to Krzanich, the idea for the charging shell originated with a group that is involved in wearables within Intel and who were annoyed by the addition of a power connector. A female team member then said she always tossed her jewelry in a bowl of fruit when she got home, after which the group started experimenting with a bowl of chips.