WASHINGTON – It may not be long before electronic devices can recharge without plugging in.

On Wednesday, Intel announced that Integrated Device Technology, Inc. will begin development of wireless charging technology for Intel to distribute.

The goal is to make a cost- and size-efficient way to charge phones wirelessly with the use of laptops.

The software will automatically detect the phone and the computer to allow seamless, wireless charging in about an hour.

IDT’s “full chipset solution for reference design work” will be delivered to Intel in early 2013, Intel’s blog says, with consumer timelines and plans to be discussed at a later date.

Read more on the Intel blog.

WTOP’s Del Walters contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.

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