Gizmodo
Although fuel cells aren't yet at the point where they can fit easily into devices like the Zune, the iPod, or cellphones, they are small enough to be used as rechargers. This is why Medis Technologies has produced the first of its Microsoft-branded fuel cell rechargers, and should be up to a capacity of 1 million units per month by the end of June.
Neither company is saying what the rechargers are for, but if you take a look at Microsoft's line of portable gadgets, there aren't a whole lot that really call for recharging on the go. That leaves the Zune, the next-gen Zune, and the Zune Phone. If we had to guess, we'd say making sure you can make a phone call after a midnight rest stop hookup goes awry weighs a bit higher than making sure you can continue air-guitaring Woman by Wolfmother.
Is Microsoft fuel cell designed for Zune? [PCAdvisor via Zuneboards]
Comments
Hmmmm interesting... and a necessary step towards the inevitable... that fuel-cell will rule the world.
However, geeks who recognize the coolness of fuel-cell probably went with Ipod as their weapon of choice for their MP3s... or in my case, the Cowon A2.
Pretty impressive that MS is taking the lead in going green. Contrast that with some other computer companies..
MS isnt taking any LEAD. HTe companies producing the friggin bateries are. Ms isnt doing any research on fuel cells. Nor, are they producing anything.
If they let me on a plane with this thing but not my my confiscated corkscrew, I am going to be pissed.
haha, yeah that's true... what are they going to do about using fuel cell on a plane?
ZackSpatula: I never said MS was producing the fuel cell. I did say they were taking the lead in going green seeing how no other computer companies are offering fuel cells (yet) for their components, even if this will be just a glorified recharger.
As an aside: Man, post factual points and people get their knickers in a twist if they dont like the facts you put in a post. Guess that is why "fanboy" has become such a slur.
Fuel cell rechargers are for when you are incapable of finding an electrical outlet for your wall charger. This happens on a plane where you can't use your phone and in the wilderness where you also can't use your phone. Remind me why we need this?
p.s. I'd be shocked if there were any environmental benefit to producing a short-lived device that converts fossil fuels to energy, once you factor in the real cost of device production vs. inefficiency of electricity distribution on established networks.
By that logic, neither are any of the other manufacturers. For example, Apple does not build a single iPod -- they outsource that somewhere over the rainbow. (no, Cuptertino Elves do not really build them).
Microsoft's role in using the technology counts, whether they built it or not.
(And, really, thank heaven they did not build it.)
MFing Fuel Cells on a MFing plane!!
Fuel Cells aside, who the hell are those pictures of and what do they have to do with fuel cells?
These could be for:
Zune 2nd Gen
Zune Phone device
Zune flash based device
Xbox Handheld Gaming System
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