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Apple appears to be working on longer life batteries

by Mel Martin Feb 17th 2011 at 6:00PM

Hallelujah! Who hasn't warily watched an iPhone, laptop or iPad battery indicator slowly fading into oblivion? It looks like Apple is doing research into techniques that would keep lithium batteries running longer without making them larger.

AppleInsider found an Apple patent filing called "Increasing Energy Density in Rechargeable Lithium Battery Cells," that uses a method called "multi-step constant-current constant-voltage (CC-CV) charging technique." Sounds good to me if it works. Apple believes such a space saving battery could allow for more features in portable devices or better capacity.

The patents also describe new charging methods that would minimize the degrading of battery output over time. Maybe Apple will produce some kind of flux capacitor. I'd really like one of those. Anyway, kudos to Apple if it pulls this off. No one will complain about more battery power and increased battery longevity.

[via AppleInsider]



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Hallelujah! Who hasn't warily watched an iPhone, laptop or iPad battery indicator slowly fading into oblivion? It looks like Apple is doing...
 

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Blake

I've been happily surprised with the battery life on my WiFi iPad, using it about two hours a day if had it last more than a week between charges. Granted my iPhone 4 lasts a day or two at most (sometimes less), which beat my 3G by a landslide. Don't get me started on my MacBook Pro though, 5 free batteries later (each could only hold a 20-30 min charge under 150 cycles) I can maybe get an hour out of it. Yes I take care of my batteries, and optimize my settings. But I would always love more battery life, especially if it offers a Delorian or time travel abilities...

February 19 2011 at 8:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jauhari

Bring it on....

February 18 2011 at 7:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tim

Ugh, you guys are so far behind the curve! Look, I just can't resist spilling the beans. I work for apple, and we are working on anti-matter technology that will allow you to never have to charge your iphone. As an added benefit it can power your entire home as well! We still have to refine the technology, so far the current loss of life for those working on this project is unacceptable.

February 18 2011 at 3:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
DanRobinson

"Apple appears to be working on longer life batteries"

(Chortling)

Gee! Ya think?

I hear they're working on a nifty cell phone, too.

February 18 2011 at 11:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bcarney

Oh, they'll come up with a solution all right ... but to recharge the batteries you'll have to buy the electricity through their "Zap Store", and they'll take a 30% cut.

February 18 2011 at 6:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Adrian vG

Maybe IOS devices with a mass effect core?

February 18 2011 at 4:26 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Aaron T

Sure, we won't complain if Apple can pull it off. But I'll definitely complain if Apple's granted the exclusive patent - I want battery life improvements in ALL my devices, not just my Apple ones.

February 18 2011 at 1:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Aaron T's comment
redcard

You heard of licensing, right? The rest can pay to use Apple's technology.

February 18 2011 at 3:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Alvin

Breaking news circa 1994

February 17 2011 at 7:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pika2000

I want to see 24-hour runtime for Macbook Pros!

February 17 2011 at 7:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
matty blue

wow, you think?

yes, apple is probably working on longer-lasting batteries. along with EVERY SINGLE OTHER ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURER ON THE FREAKING EARTH.

you really blew the lid off that one. as usual.

February 17 2011 at 7:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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