In a proposal that sounds like it is right out of Star Trek, Intel said on Friday that it is researching the potential use of free energy as a mobile power source. Intel is developing tiny sensors that can harvest ambient forms of energy, including body heat, sunlight and radiation. Movement, like that of moving a trackball or a scroll wheel, could even be used to provide small amounts of power to a mobile device. All you extreme BlackBerry users may never have to plug in your phone again! The research is still at the initial stage with Intel focusing on the development of the technology behind the sensors. It has already designed a self-charging neural implant that can send data about body systems via a wireless connection so Intel has made some progress in this area. Even though it is still in its infancy, you can’t help but think about the broader, long term applications. Imagine a world where you go indefinitely without having to charge your cell phone, bluetooth headset, or MP3 player. That is definitely a world in which we want to live!

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