LG Chem Introduces Hexagonal Smartwatch Battery
One of the thorniest dilemmas facing the makers of smartwatches is battery life. Some, like the Apple Watch, can require recharging more than once a day if the user takes advantage of the many apps and features that come with this device. Watches that have longer battery life generally sacrifice some desirable features.
Now LG Chem, a branch of LG, has an innovative new product that can offer longer life for some smartwatches—at least the ones with circular faces. LG Chem claims to have already staked out the number-one spot in the market for medium to large-sized batteries and now is introducing a hexagonal battery for circular smartwatches that promises to increase battery capacity by 25%.
Why a hexagonal battery? First, this shape is capable of using the space under a circular watch face more efficiently. A hexagonal battery has more degrees of freedom than a traditional battery and most importantly, can increase battery capacity by up to 25%. That could mean an extra four hours of battery time for the user.
LG Chem uses proprietary patented tech referred to as “stack and folding” to create what is called a “free form battery.” Electronic Times explained that this process involves “injecting electrolytes after stacking anode material, separation film, and cathode material layer by layer.” The result is a group of small batteries in a variety of shapes that provide better performance stability and energy density.
The new hexagonal battery should fit LG’s Watch Urbane and G Watch R as well as Motorola’s Moto 360 but alas, not rectangular devices like the Apple Watch or Pebble Time.
LG Chem spokesman Woo Byeong-min has stated that “LG Chem has started selling hexagonal batteries to global tech firms…The batteries, manufactured in Nanjing, China, where LG operates massive battery factories, will be used in upcoming smartwatches.”
Will this new battery give some smartwatches a leg up on the competition? We’ll find out as more devices hit the market.