13
2008
Yes, 9@9j really is the name of Philips' upcoming mobile phone. It'll be fun going into Carphone Warehouse asking for that... But the candybar handset does have one innovation - there's a slot for a AAA battery in the bottom.
The technology comes from Israeli firm Techtium, and it's called Backupower. The 9@9j is the first phone to have it inside. Battery firm Energizer is involved too - I grabbed Moti Puran - its Manager OEM Europe - to explain it.
"It has a standard lithium ion rechargeable battery, but it has the option to put a AAA battery in, and it'll give you three hours extra talktime," he says. "If your lithium ion battery goes dead, the backup battery kicks in, and starts to charge the lithium ion battery, so you can start using the phone straight away."
The 9@9j goes on sale in April. But hey, it isn't just Philips doing this kind of thing. Nokia will soon be launching an external charger using the same technology, so you'll connect it to your phone to have the same effect. It's called the Nokia Extra Power DC-8, and will use AA batteries. Look:
This has been the one and only post about batteries that I've filed from Mobile World Congress. Resident battery correspondent Gary will be proud. Maybe.
Find more mobile news in our Mobile World Congress 2008 category
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I have to say this is the most useful innovation on mobile phones in ages. How often has your phone died on you when you are out and about and you haven't got an adaptor with you. It's great to just go to the corner shop and get a Triple A battery for back up. And no I don't work for Philips!
Now imagine if you used a long shelf-life AAA rechargeable like a Sanyo Eneloop! You could buy it in a nearby shop, and recharge it for next time when you get home. Or even better: get that explosive Lithium out of your phone and operate from the single NiMH battery! Just kidding ;->
If you have those Sanyo Eneloop, Energizer NiMH battery or any rechargeable AAA battery inserted, actually it'll get recharged when you plug the phone's wall charger. Not even need to take it out!! That's cool.
very good mobile phone
What a great idea! There is nothing more frustrating than when your battery dies...
I love the backup batteries and am putting this phone on my Christmas Wish List.
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