MTI MicroFuel Cells announced delivery of next-generation fuel cell-powered prototype units to Samsung Electronics.

MTI MicroFuel Cells is the developer of the Mobion direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology for handheld electronic devices.

This is the first in a series of planned deliveries resulting from the alliance formed between MTI Micro and Samsung in May 2006. The two companies are exploring ways to potentially power a series of Samsung´s mobile phone and mobile phone accessories with fuel cell technology so new media-rich features (e.g. video, audio) can be added.

“In next generation cellular phones, features like mobile satellite TV, streaming video, 3D gaming and other multimedia applications will consume even more power,” said Peng Lim, CEO, MTI Micro Fuel Cells. “Traditional power sources like lithium-ion batteries cannot keep pace with OEM desires to incorporate these media-rich features in future consumer electronic devices. We applaud Samsung for leading the charge to discover better power sources like fuel cells for mobile phones and mobile phone accessories.”

According to Frost & Sullivan, the market for micro fuel cells for consumer electronic devices will reach approximately 80 million units by 2012. MTI Micro’s alliance with Samsung and today´s prototype delivery are significant steps toward direct methanol fuel cell commercialization.

MTI Micro and Samsung are cooperating to develop, test, and evaluate Mobion prototypes for various mobile phone applications. Samsung continues to put its resources into this joint effort which will help determine the best approach for powering the next-generation of feature-rich devices in the consumer electronics industry. Upon successful completion of this agreement, MTI Micro and Samsung intend to continue to work together by entering into a product commercialization agreement.