A new $200 device could change they way the world charges their electronic devices. A company called Intelligent Energy has produces a charging device that is powered by a hydrogen cell, according to Reuters on Nov. 14 .
Called Upp, the device has a fuel cell and a non-disposable cartridge, would be good for up to five charges and is described by Cnet as having up to 25 amp-hours of charge.
Though new technology usually comes out first in the most developed nation, the company will be taking their charging device first to emerging markets, such as Africa, as early as December. From there, the company will expand elsewhere through 2014.
Owning the device comes with a subscription cost for new cartridges. A price isn't set yet, but it could be anywhere from $5-$10 per month. Reuters reports that the breakdown could be as low as $1 per refueled cartridge.
An app, available for both Apple and Android devices, can optimize the charge for your phone and will let you know when fuel is low and how to get more.
The managing director of consumer electronics at Intelligent Energy discussed why we need an alternative to batteries:
“Batteries need help: their capabilities haven’t kept pace with innovation in smart connected portable devices. Given that 75 percent of the global population relies on the mobile phone to stay connected, the more you want to do with your device, the more energy you need. Consumers need a reliable source of personal and portable energy, and Upp gives you that critical uptime when you really need it.”
As for the first market they will hit, many business owners in Africa could benefit from the charger, highlighted by an engineer who remarked that smartphones and similar devices require so much power that they need to be charged every four hours.
via Examiner National Edition Gadgets & Tech Channel Articles http://www.examiner.com/article/hydrogen-powered-device-charger-first-released-africa?cid=roadrunner