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Toshiba Exhibits Operational Headphone Style Music Player Powered by Fuel Cells
Publication Date:19-February-2007
06:30 AM US Eastern Timezone 
Source:Hiroki Yomogita, Nikkei Electronics 
Toshiba Corp. has prototyped a headphone style music player powered by direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) and displayed it at 3GSM World Congress 2007. 

This player is not a mockup, but "a prototype that actually runs," said a company spokesperson. Fuel cells and a fuel tank are built in one of the headset's phone units. 

The other phone unit is loaded with music player function and a Bluetooth module. 

The player has already acquired a Bluetooth's logo certificate and is also capable of radio communication with mobile phones. 

Toshiba had previously planned to demonstrate the prototype's music playback, but did no further than simple presentation after all considering its insufficient durability, among other factors. 

Using 4 to 5 mL of 100% methanol, the player can realize continuous music playback extending to more than 10 hours.

Passive fuel cells used
The prototype uses Toshiba's passive DMFC. 

It features a fuel tank capacity gauge so users can visually check how much fuel is left. 

To cope with load fluctuation, the player also mounts a compact Li-ion secondary battery pack. 

The player will likely feature a DMFC and Li-ion secondary battery hybrid power system when it is actually commercialized. 

Toshiba once exhibited a prototype portable music player using Bluetooth before, but this time it is a headphone style. 

Asked why, Toshiba's spokesperson explained, "We attempt to appeal it to the young people, who wear a headphone as part of their fashion." 

Marketing schedule is yet to be determined. 

Toshiba showed a similar prototype at the 2007 International CES event.

 
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