iPhone Battery

Every time a new technology surfaces that could be used in a portable electronic device, the iPhone seems to pop up. Apple likes to be ahead of the curve, and there's no doubt the company is always on the lookout for better ways to power their mobile offerings. Enter the NEC Organic Radical Battery (ORB), which was first announced in 2005.

With a recharge time of just 30 seconds, the ORB breaks new ground. Not only this, but the revamped battery contains no heavy metals like current lithium rechargeable batteries. That means recycling or disposal of the ORB doesn't involve any toxic materials.

Never deal with iPhone wires again. This is what the JuiceTank promises to deliver should the designers achieve their goal of project funding through Kickstarter. The case they have proposed not only protects the iPhone 4/4S from damage but provides two options for charging.

Flipping right out of the back of the case are two prongs for direct connection to a 110-240V NEMA 1/5-15 power outlet for quick and wireless charging. A micro USB jack is also provided for charging or syncing using a computer, although with Wi-Fi syncing in iOS 5 you may never need the cord.

Keeping more than one mobile device charged while on the go is a challenge for anyone who owns a tablet, phone, GPS and whatever else. Innergie aims to solve that problem with its PocketCell battery pack. The rechargeable battery bank provides portable power and charging capability for iOS and Android devices, MP3 Players, and over 10, 000 other portable devices.

The lightweight (2.8 ounces) charger has a 3,000 mAh capacity and includes the Magic Cable Trio with integrated smart-tip Apple, Micro, and Mini USB connector. It can supply your iPad with up to 4.5 hours of extra use, and gives the iPhone 25+ hours of additional talk time.

Apple submits plenty of patents every year that never see the light of day, but a recent filing published in the database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Dec. 22 has a lot of people overly excited. Application 20110311895, filed in August 2010, reveals that Apple is looking into hydrogen fuel cell technology. Hydrogen fuel cells would allow batteries to last for weeks without recharging, and would also make devices lighter and slimmer. Too bad it is years away from reality.

Even Apple acknowledges in their patent application that “it is extremely challenging to design hydrogen fuel cell systems which are sufficiently portable and cost-effective to be used with portable electronic devices.” Hydrogen fuel cells would also be friendlier to the environment eliminating the use of toxic chemicals for hydrogen.

Battery cases make great accessories for the iPhone and iPod touch. Not only do they protect the mobile device, but they increase the battery life, often doubling battery power and keeping the iPhone charged. There are always sporadic reports of lithium-ion batteries malfunctioning, which can involve excessive heat, fire or even explosions.

Lately two brands of iPhone battery cases have been recalled as problems with internal parts have been discovered. To avoid risks of overheating and possible fire, use of these cases should be discontinued immediately. The first recall involves the Rocketfish RF-KL12, designed for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS.