Teenager creates device that could charge your phone in under 30 seconds

With so many incredible advances in mobile technology, it can sometimes feel like progress in battery technology isn't exactly keeping up. While our mobile devices can do so much more today than simply make calls and send text messages, many of us often struggle to get through the day on a single battery charge when we make full use of our handset’s capabilities.

But development in battery technology is continuing across the globe, with vast resources being committed to researching breakthroughs in energy storage. In early April, we also reported on micro-battery research at the University of Illinois, which aims to develop batteries that are 30 times smaller than conventional units, but which charge 1000 times faster.

A few weeks ago, we also reported on tech that’s just coming to market, which allows users to charge their handset with a puddle of water and a small portable charging unit with a micro fuel cell. Right now, it’s pretty expensive, but as prices fall with time, it could make a huge difference to those in emerging markets where power supplies can be costly and unreliable, but where mobile devices are becoming increasingly important to individuals and local economies.