Battery technology is sadly lagging behind electronic/gadget innovation to the point where we are close to reaching the bare minium standard for runtime. For example, a typical 3G smartphone browsing the internet over 3G will get between 2-5 hours of runtime. That is pathetic. While different storage materials density goals are being developed and reached, something exciting and new has to come along. It appears that we are finally turning over a new leaf – the STAIR (St Andrews Air) battery. This unique and ingenious battery has a mesh section that allows air to enter and exit the battery. Why the ventilation? It’s the added juice for the road! Currently we don’t have any shortage of air so relying on it to greatly lengthen mobile runtimes is a big plus. It works by drawing in oxygen from the air around it which reacts with the carbon material inside effectively charging the battery. Granted, it isn’t strong enough per say to bring a dead battery back to 100% full just by sitting outside. Instead, it will greatly slow down the loss of charge when in use. Upon purchasing this battery the user can expect runtimes of up to 10 times longer! Sign me up!
Source: Ubergizmo, OhGizmo, Telegraph.CO.UK
