Neowin.net

Royal Philips Electronics has introduced the Xenium NRG, a mobile phone that uses a single standard-sized AAA battery as a backup for an extra three hours of talk time when the main battery dies, which offers 10 hours when fully charged. Thanks to a partnership with Energizer Holdings and Techtium, a chipmaker specializing in power management, Philips could use the company's hardware which makes it possible to mix conventional battery power with the lithium-ion pack used in cellular phones. If the AAA battery is rechargeable, then the phone will recharge the backup when doing the same for the main power source. The duo recharging is possible due to Techtium's integrated circuit with patented charging and battery-type detection algorithms. While providing convenience, the backup doesn't alter the Xenium NRG's slim, compact form, Philips said. In joining the partnership, Energizer is marketing its e2 Lithium AAA as the best battery for use in the phone. The company claims its battery lasts longer in high-tech devices than alkaline batteries.

News source: InformationWeek