Michael Knutson
09-20-2011, 01:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/intel-demonstrates-low-energy-processor-that-could-be-powered-by-a-potato/' target='_blank'>http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile...ed-by-a-potato/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Last week, Intel demonstrated a "near-threshold voltage" processor that uses so little energy that it could be powered by solar energy, kinetic energy, or even a potato."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/lpt/auto/1316477034.usr17748.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>I like the premise here, that since we're really struggling to improve batteries for devices, maybe a better approach is to get devices to need less power. Intel has displayed a new microprocessor processor (code-named Claremont), running at 10 millivolts, or about 1% of that used by today's processors (1V). Currently powered by a solar cell the size of a postage stamp, scientists think that these devices could be powered by kinetic energy from walking, solar energy, or even from a potato. They don't explain the potato charging. While this is a bit in the future, imagine how cool it would be to recharge a phone or other mobile device simply keeping it in a pocket while walking. Time to invest in potato futures?</p><p> </p>