NEC Creates System For Blocking Counterfeit Batteries

from the is-that-good-or-bad? dept

There were a bunch of stories recently about exploding mobile phones, and after investigating the issue, one of two reasons always turned up: either it wasn't really an "explosion" but a "graphite discharge" or counterfeit batteries that weren't up to snuff safety-wise were what caused the explosion. Nokia has taken the stance of using these cases to warn people not to use counterfeit batteries, but NEC has gone a step further and created a system that will block fake batteries from mobile phones. While the safety argument makes sense, this is somewhat similar to efforts by printer makers to create encryption systems that block knockoff ink cartridges, and it makes you wonder if some of the incentive to do this is to keep competitors from being able to enter the market.