Wacky — 12 December 2005

KDDI announced today its prototype Hitachi and Toshiba cell phones powered by next gen fuel cells.

The Toshiba fuel cell phone is based on the A5590T handset. The device is powered by a compact fuel cell (methanol) and fuel tank on the back, in addition to an internal lithium ion battery. Apparently the phone’s battery life is 2.5 as long as your conventional lithium battery cell phone.

The Hitachi fuel cell phone is based on the W32H (pictured) and uses a comparable system to that of the Toshiba. Even though an additional fuel source has been added, the Hitachi supposedly phone maintains ‘a close’ to original size.

It seems as though not all of the details have surfaced, but we’ll keep you posted as they become available.

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Grew up back East, got sick of the cold and headed West. Since I was small I have been pushing buttons - both electronic and human. With an insatiable need for tech I thought "why not start a blog focusing on technology, and use my dislikes and likes to post on gadgets."

  • http://osterman.com Erik Osterman

    Just don’t forget the phone in your car if you live in Las Vegas. At 149F Methanol will boil, probably bursting the device. Can’t wait to see the warning label on that phone: WARNING! Keep device away from small children. Methanol is a potent nerve poison. Forms explosive mixtures with air and burns with a nonluminous flame. Keep away from direct sunlight. Violent poison, which if consumed may cause blindness or death.

    Heh, well, I’m sure that’s all hype, but still… what are the safety features? Not that a regular battery is any better, but which do you think is more volatile?