MTI Micro announced a prototype embedded fuel cell today aimed at use in the handheld GPS device market. The fuel cell is called the Mobion and provides three times as much energy to a GPS device as four AA batteries do.

MTI says that on a large, color screen GPS device that means 60 hours of continuous power. That is enough power for weeks of use not the days of use common with AA batteries. The Mobion GPS prototype also includes a USB port allowing the device to provide power to recharge mobile phones or any other device that can recharge via USB.

"MTI Micro is exploring the integration of our Mobion(R) platform with GPS devices as part of our strategy to bring micro fuel cell technology to a wide range of portable consumer electronic device market segments," said Peng Lim, President and CEO of MTI. "Battery life is a key issue with handheld GPS devices, especially as manufacturers add advanced energy-hungry features to new models, such as larger full color screens. Our Mobion(R) powered GPS prototype will provide handheld GPS users such as hikers and campers, travelers, boaters, pilots and other sports enthusiasts the peace of mind of much longer usage time and will help them do away with the expense, bulk and environmental unfriendliness of conventional batteries."

Via MTI Micro