Supercapacitors have a big internal surface-area that allows a large amount of energy to be delivered rapidly and are used in some electric cars to provide a short burst of power for rapid acceleration and in hybrids to recover energy during braking.

ECONOMIST: Carbon-composite batteries

The micro-USB port, also found along the left edge, is uncovered, but Motorola had the foresight to bathe both the surface and internal circuitry in a water-resistant coating, which should stand up to the wet weather conditions many Europeans will face heading into winter.

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While results of the internal inquiry have yet to surface, don't be surprised if the press event for God of War III features a petting zoo.

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It uses nanoscale materials to boost the performance of its batteries (making an electrode out of nanoparticles increases its surface area, which in turn decreases the battery's internal resistance and improves its ability to store and deliver energy).

ECONOMIST: The electrification of motoring