Nov. 13, 2006 — MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc., an Albany, N.Y., developer of micro fuel cell technology for handheld electronic devices and a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Inc., announced delivery of next-generation fuel cell-powered prototype units to Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. This is the first in a series of planned deliveries resulting from the alliance formed between MTI Micro and Samsung in May 2006.

MTI Micro is developing next-generation fuel cell prototypes based on its patented direct methanol fuel cell technology known as Mobion. Together, 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 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 of MTI Micro Fuel Cells, in a prepared statement. “Traditional power sources like lithium-ion batteries cannot keep pace with OEM desires to incorporate these media-rich features in future consumer electronic devices.”

According to Frost & Sullivan, the market for micro fuel cells for consumer electronic devices will reach approximately 80 million units by 2012.

MTI Micro and Samsung are cooperating to develop, test, and evaluate Mobion prototypes for various mobile phone applications.