Tech Shout!

Philips Electronics has introduced a mobile phone with a built-in compartment for an AAA battery. Thus, when the mobile phone battery runs low, the ordinary AAA batteries will power the device. So, if you are sick of your cell phone conking off at the wrong times, then you have to take a look at this device known as the Xenium NRG handset.

Philips claims that the AAA battery when inserted into the mobile device is able to provide up to three extra hours of talk time. The Xenium NRG phone’s main battery provides up to 10 hours of talk time, when fully charged.

The Xenium NRG handset was actually developed in collaboration with the battery maker, Energizer Holdings Inc. and Techtium Ltd., and Israeli chip maker that specializes in battery management technology.

According to Itai Green, Techtium’s chief operating officer, “Service providers tell us they want to increase revenue. But when people run out of power, the providers cannot make any money from calls, text messaging and other non-voice services.”

The AAA battery inserted into the phone can be of any brand or type, whether rechargeable or disposable. However, in the case of a rechargeable battery, the phone will recharge both the main battery and the backup AAA battery when it is plugged in.

According to Philips, the duo recharging is possible due to Techtium’s integrated circuit with patented charging and battery-type detection algorithms. While providing convenience, the backup battery does not alter the Xenium NRG’s slim and compact form.

The Xenium NRG handset is expected to be available this year itself. However, the companies did not disclose how much it would cost or even where it would be sold.