Comments on: Could nanotech create speech-powered phones?

Research could pave the way for battery-free gadgets that harness sound waves for power.

[sharepointing]

I don't think this paragraph is accurate:

"What would make this possible is piezoelectricity, in which a mechanical force is converted to electricity. Car cigarette lighters are a common example. When they're punched in, pressure on a crystal within produces voltage, creating a spark."

Car cigarette Lighters use electricity running through a resistant coil to generate heat. Not piezoelectricity

[elsa.wenzel]

Thank you for noticing. A press release associated with the research described car lighters as using piezoelectricity, which I didn't realize was incorrect. I've changed the post.

[michaelt43]

LOL, before you try to correct someone, you really should get your facts straight and read the passage again. They are taking about handheld lighters (like Bic but without the flint) that you pull a trigger to light or like the one installed on your gas BBQ grill.

[tech_crazy]

No. sharepointing is right. The article refers to card chargers and not hand-held lighters. It is you who should be reading the article again.

[Joe Real]

A capacitor or rechargeable battery would be needed to buffer the surges in mechanically powering the device and controlling the power outflow into the electronics.

Unlike flashlights or other devices, it is possible not to need any capacitors or rechargeable batteries, you just crank away if you need the light, and such technology is about a hundred years old already. We have them in our bikes. So what's new?

[GRobLewis]

LOL michael 43, sharepointing is exactly right about CAR cigarette lighters, which have nothing whatsoever to do with piezoelectricity. Before you try to correct someone, you really should get your facts straight and read the passage again.

[Krassen Dimitrov]

"But what if you could charge your cell phone just by talking into it, eliminating the need for batteries or cords? "

Dear Elsa,
While some people's speech is indeed powerful, it is mostly a metaphor. The reason we need battery-powered phones is exactly because the energy density of our voice is too low, and the signal needs to be amplified. Perhaps, you could consider a line of work that does not deal with scientific realities; have you thought of becoming a Republican operative?

[migsono]

Krassen Dimitrov,

WHOA, You might be scientifically correct but you sure do come off like a jerk. Frankly who gives you the right to cut people down like that? That is unnecessary my friend. Life does not go on without consequences, your day will come when someone else humiliates you. Do you hate women or something? I don't mean to get personal on you but that kind of comment calls for it. Good luck living happy.

[Krassen Dimitrov]

Dear misgono,

"Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assaults of thought on the unthinking."

John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946)

[migsono]

Krassen,

May I never have a friend that thinks of treats people the way you do. I seldom ever comment on stories, that is how appalling I think your original comment is. I will remember this in the future when batteries are no longer required on any mobile device. You quoted John Maynard Keynes, a supporter of eugenics may I add, who also said BTW:
"The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones." that one is for you

Go ahead and have the last word.. I don't care. You are not worthy anymore.

[Krassen Dimitrov]

Odd... For a self-proclaimed novice, misgono sure speedily got into Goodwin Law territory.
To dispel any confusion: the British school of eugenics that interested Keynes (along with the likes of George B. Shaw and Winston Churchill) was a respected school in sociology and had nothing to do with the Nazi "eugenics", which subsequently discredited the term.

If ad hominem was needed, something of the sort "You quoted John Maynard Keynes, a noted **** may I add (he was indeed gay)" would be more befitting for a Republican concern troll, along with the phony outrage bit, which you got down pat...