Samsung Electronics believes fuel cells could power the cell phones of tomorrow. The South Korean manufacturer has recently signed an exclusive alliance with MTI MicroFuel Cells, a US-based fuel cell firm, to develop next-generation fuel cell prototypes for Samsung's mobile phone business.
Photo: Samsung to Develop Phones Powered by Fuel Cells
Using Mobion, MTI Micro's patented direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology, Samsung will design a series of mobile phone and accessory prototypes. Due to their anticipated longer runtime and instant recharging advantages (compared with batteries in today's mobile phones), fuel cells are being designed as the advanced power solution which will allow future consumers to enjoy media-rich, power hungry mobile applications.
Together, the two companies will develop, test, and evaluate Mobion technology for various mobile phone applications. Samsung will put its resources into this joint effort which will help determine the best approach for powering the next-generation of feature-rich devices in the consumer electronics industry. Upon successful completion of this agreement, MTI Micro and Samsung intend to continue to work together by entering into a product commercialization agreement.
"By allying with MTI Micro, Samsung is empowered to go beyond the established boundaries of what is currently possible with mobile phone design and functionality. Samsung continuously pushes forward to overcome one of the most challenging issues of the mobile industry and continue to lead the market with this leading edge technology," said YoungWoo Lee, Vice President at Samsung Electronics.
Doesn't sound so safe... I'm sure everyone rememebers the exploding battery fiasco. Fuel cells? I think batteries run long enough.
2. Posted by krypton
Mon May 22, 2006 7:00 am
cell phones are going to be the tvs of tomorrow. they'll need alot of power to be useful. fuel cell tech is pretty safe (i think), so it seems to be a step in the right direction.
3. Posted by Cadd
Mon May 22, 2006 7:46 am
While it may provide longer battery life I'm wary of putting a fuel cell in my pants.
4. Posted by PunkRock
Mon May 22, 2006 11:17 am
My Li-Ion battery can't hold a charge and runs out in a few days with minimal talking. I'll be glad when these new fuel cell batteries hit the market. I'll take my chances with the exploding pants.
5. Posted by GSMDude
Tue May 23, 2006 9:09 am
While it may provide longer battery life I'm wary of putting a fuel cell in my pants.
There will always be a risk for exploding battiers. Remember that Nokia fiasco a few months back? Who knows... fuel cells may actually be safer (not that I know).
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