Charging your Smartphone with... Sound?

Tired of needing to charge your smartphone battery all the time? Always looking for a charger?  

Researchers from telecommunication giant Nokia have teamed up with colleagues from Queen Mary University of London and are hard at work in developing a new technology which will allow for mobile phone charging via sound alone. A recent experiment shows that the wondrous vision might not be as far as one may think. 

This is good news for mobile online gamblers, whose batteries are often used up quickly from online casino websites and online games.

Mobile Gaming Could Benefit

Mobile gaming technologies go hand-in-hand with the rapid advancements of mobile devices and in some senses spearhead the movement with live dealer technologies which allow players to experience a real-life casino experience straight through their phones. These technologies tied together with HD games and mobile casino platforms could all benefit greatly from smartphones being able to be charged via sound alone.  

Potential Breakthrough for Mobile Users

With the rapid advancements made in the competitive mobile device market, battery life has become a main worry and issue for any smartphone user across the globe. Solutions like bigger or even massive batteries and compact on the go charging devices can serve as a remedy for battery problems but a real breakthrough could come in the image of sound-based charging.

Zinc Oxide at Work

The main component required to put this technology to work is Zinc Oxide, a piezoelectric material which can convert mechanical energy or that created by sound into electrical energy. The Zinc Oxide was broke down into nanorods and nanowires and in the proper heating environment, was coated upon a plastic surface, gradually being sprayed all over the surface.

The scientists then sandwiched the nanorod sheet between two electrical contact sheets made of aluminum foil (as opposed to the traditional gold). According to the team, the prototype device managed to charge a Nokia Lumia 925 in generating 5 volts while using what the team called "everyday background noise" like voices and traffic ambiance.  

We'll be watching these technological developments closely and looking forward to the day when we no longer need to carry around extra chargers.