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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