Apple charges into consumer hydrogen

Apple stores across the UK are now selling a hydrogen fuel-cell, which can be used to boost dying batteries even on the hoof.


The Upp charger, designed by Intelligent Energy Holdings, can typically deliver one week’s worth of smartphone power, equivalent to 900 hours of standby or 32 hours of calling.

The portable charger is also certified for air travel, allowing it to be marketed to businessmen and backpackers.

Intelligent Energy’s chief executive Dr Henri Winand said: “Upp represents the start of the next generation of energy devices, a signal to the portable electronics market that customers are ready to adopt transformative technologies. Consumers want energy independence as the demand and reliance on portable devices accelerates.”

The next-gen technology won’t come cheap for Apple aficionados, as the Upp starter pack costs £149. It also weighs in at 620g, around five times the weight of an IPhone 5.

Tech reviewers PocketLint said that the device lets out a weird hissing sound and strange smell when in use, suggesting the technology is still to be perfected.

But that certainly won’t stop sustainability-minded tech-heads from snapping up the new chargers… 

Brad Allen

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