Put this battery in your will!

[scheherazade]

Batteries have been a game changer for portable technologies, from lighting and communications to entertainment and transportation. Portable power has made life much easier for us. Rechargeable batteries have improved significantly since inception but to date, most rechargeable batteries fade quite soon after around the three year mark.

Scientists working at the University of California, Irvine, believe they've accidentally stumbled upon a technique that could take that three-year average lifespan and boost it to an astounding 300 or 400 years. Such a breakthrough would greatly increase the lifespan of products, reduce waste and even help increase the mileage range of electric vehicles.

http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/energy/...-400-years

What a legacy it would be if we were able to pass on such a battery through several generations? Interestingly, many batteries have changed very little in size and shape over many decades even though the technology they power has moved through several new renditions.

I am extrapolating that if they can improve the batteries, they should soon also be able to improve solar charging devices as well perhaps?

The future just might be starting to look a bit brighter.

[C C]

Interestingly, many batteries have changed very little in size and shape over many decades even though the technology they power has moved through several new renditions.

I'd almost expect a capitalistic perversity of manufacturers co-conspiring to change that stability of form every decade or so once batteries achieved pseudo-immortality. But instead, of course, the makers of devices they power would install them as permanent, internal components. Minus a now unnecessary design and access that was amenable to easy replacement. While ensuring that other vital parts are still vulnerable to their usual planned obsolescence.

[Magical Realist]

There will be a lavish ceremony where ye olde family battery will be handed over to the new generation of family members on a red satin pillow while this song is being played:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm6DO_7px1I