Wireless charging isn't the only mobile area where companies are working towards standardization: a consortium called MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) has developed a standard to optimize streaming uncompressed high-definition signals from mobile devices to larger screen displays.

Backed by Nokia, Samsung, Silicon Image, Sony, and Toshiba, the consortium was founded and the specification released in June 2010 and certification testing began in December. But this Spring, we'll finally see products that can utilize the standard.

So what does it do? The main function, once built into a device and connecting cable, would allow for streaming uncompressed video at up to 1,080p resolution and 60 frames-per-second from a mobile device. But there are other benefits. For example, when used with am MHL-certified TV or monitor, the display can also simultaneously charge the connected mobile device. And customers can use the TV's remote to control the mobile product, switching from watching a video, for example, to viewing a photo slideshow.

Already, HTC's upcoming EVO 3D will come with MHL certification, as will the Samsung S2.

To date, there are 22 adopters of the technology, ranging from hardware manufacturers, including those that make mobile devices, cables, computers, and AV equipment; plus semiconductor companies. Each company signs a licensing agreement with MHL, after which they pay an annual fee, and ongoing royalties.

It's an interesting concept; one can liken it to DLNA for wireless connectivity among mobile devices and other AV equipment. Which brings up an interesting question: will there be a need for standardization in wired connectivity when the world seems to be going wireless? The quick answer is "yes." As great as wireless is, we're still not there in terms of cutting the cord for good, so to speak, and streaming content like video and other large files, exclusively wirelessly. So for the foreseeable future, a move toward standardization that will also offer consumers some neat upgrades like those mentioned above is a positive step in the right direction.

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