Interesting: it seems the first big deal component Apple may manufacture with its newly-licensed LiquidMetal alloys (beyond that SIM card remover shipped with iPhone before) isn’t the body or the antenna — it’s the battery! Cult Of Mac has the story, explaining a published fuel cell patent which uses Liquidmetal as part of the internal component of a fuel cell. The patent “describes “amorphous alloy” collector plates for fuel cells, an electrochemical battery that uses hydrogen to generate electricity.” However, CoM does warn that the term Liquidmetal isn’t used in the patent itself…though it is thought to be a metallic glass type thing. Why fuel cells? Think about it. We already have millions of iPad users who can’t get over that product’s extensive battery life. Now, using Liquidmetal tech, Apple may be developing cells which will keep your iPhone (or iPad) usable for ages, CoM mentions “30 days without recharging”. The report observes that safety concerns bedevil some battery-making (recall Sony’s costly and embarrassing battery take-back scheme?).
