// Pocket Picks //

Fuel cells are one of those cutting edge technologies that have been knocking around for years, but at the Mobile World Congress, Toshiba seems to be well on the way to releasing products based on the technology. In this case, the system’s called the Direct Methanol Fuel Cell, because - we’re guessing - you directly fill up your fuel cell-enabled phone with a dash of liquid methanol when you’re running out of juice.
Two examples were shown. One (as pictured) sees the fuel cell directly integrated into the phone, while the other uses it in a separate mobile battery charger. One refill on the phone is said to provide double the operating time of the standard battery, while in the case of the charger, a full charge would enable you to recharge the inbuilt Lithium Ion battery on your phone two or three times.
Commercial deployment is expected in Japan either in late 2008 or early 2009 but as yet there are currently no plans for the tech to be released in the west.