LG Chem is a key chemical maker in South Korea; the company operates battery factories in China and the batteries will be manufactured there, in Nanjing, according to the company source. Kim Yoo-chul in the Korea Times had the report. “LG Chem has started shipping hexagon-shaped batteries to global consumer electronics firms in order to help them promote their smartwatch business,” Korea Times said.
9to5google pointed out that the design is such that it covers more surface area, specifically in circular smartwatches. This improves battery capacity as much as 25 percent compared with rectangular-shaped batteries. LG Chem spokesperson Woo Byeong-min said in Korea Times that the battery would help smartwatch users get four hours more. He also said LG had secured patents to promote “Free Form Batteries” with its “Stack and Folding” technology. The company has announced future batteries in the categories of stepped, curved and cable. A stepped battery – two or more batteries are added on top of each other in a step design to take greater advantage of available space. Its “Stack & Folding” technology is designed to reduce physical stress on the battery pack when in a curved form and provides better stability and performance.
LG keeps an ambitious eye on battery needs for mobile devices, with technology solutions. The Korea Times quoted Kwon Young-soo, president of the company’s battery business, who said LG will become the global top supplier in small-sized batteries by 2018.
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Image Credit: Korea Times