Fuel cell technology is based on a chemical reaction which directly produces electricity typically from Methanol. Its an efficient and safe for home use technology. Fuel cell chargers are not yet small enough to be included in mobile phones or MP3 players. But their size is fine to be used as external chargers. What does Microsoft need such a charger for?

The Medis Press Release :

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 13, 2007 - MEDIS TECHNOLOGIES LTD. (NASDAQ:MDTL) announced that it has begun commercial sales of its 24/7 fuel cell Power Packs to Microsoft.  The first shipment of Microsoft branded 24/7 Power Packs were made today.

 

“This is an historic moment for our company,” said Robert K. Lifton, Chairman and CEO of Medis Technologies. “It marks the first commercial sales of our 24/7 Power Pack product and indeed, the first commercial sales in quantities of any consumer fuel cell product. We are pleased to be able to serve Microsoft as our first customer.”

 

These first Power Packs were produced on Medis’ semi-automated line. Our fully automated line which was built by Ismeca, in Switzerland, is in the process of being dismantled and shipped to Ireland where it will be managed by Celestica.  A video showing operation of the line is available on our web site at www.medistechnologies.com. 

Medis Technologies’ primary focus is on direct liquid fuel cell technology. Its business strategy is to sell its products to end users through retail outlets, service providers and to the military and other markets. Medis has also developed the CellScan with many potential applications relating to disease diagnostics and chemo sensitivity. Additionally, Medis’ product pipeline includes other technologies, in varying stages of development.

This one could be a new charger for Zune? Why not. In the above image there are many similar devices like iPod and PDAs. According to Medis, the "Power Pack" solution can be used for:

• 3G & 4G cell phones with a full range of functionality
• Dual mode phones for WiFi and Voice Over Internet (VoIP)
• Smart phones (iMate etc.)
• Camera phones
• iPods & MP3s
• Game boys
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
• Blackberries
• Digital cameras
• RAZR
• A broad array of military applications

Visit Medis Technologies for more details.

[via PCadvisor ]

EDIT: Microsoft says fuel cell chargers not for Zune