Stanford University researchers makes unexpected use of a familiar material with a high-performance aluminium battery said to be a faster-charging, longer-lasting and safer alternative for powering mobile devices.

"We have developed a rechargeable aluminum battery that may replace existing storage devices, such as alkaline batteries, which are bad for the environment, and lithium-ion batteries, which occasionally burst into flames," chemistry professor Hongjie Dai says. "Our new battery won't catch fire, even if you drill through it."

In theory aluminium makes an ideal battery material, as has low flammability and a high-charge storage capacity while being low cost. However, in the past researchers have failed to find a materials capable of producing sufficient voltage after repeated charge-discharge cycles-- a problem the Stanford scientists solved by using graphite, the carbon-based wonder material.

Many wearables sell themselves on the basis of being able to handle multiple tasks, from fitness tracking to applications and notifications. However the Emvio is different, as its only task is stress management.

According to makers Data Systems chronic stress is caused by repeated daily annoyances, not occasional life-changing events. The Emvio promises to help by constantly measuring heart rate to determine the wearer's emotional state (but "it's not as simple as "excited = more beats per minute" and "calm = fewer beats per minute,"", the company insists). Should stress levels get too high, the wearable vibrates and provides tips on how one can calm down.

Once the wearer is sufficiently calm the Emvio, perhaps ironically, vibrates again to let the know exactly that.

According to Purdue University researchers packing peanuts are more than an annoyance getting in the way of recent acquisitions-- the bits of foam might actually be key to next generation rechargeable batteries.

As we all know, batteries consist of two electrodes, the anode and cathode, with the anode being generally made of graphite. The research shows packing peanuts can replace the graphite in anode production, specifically with carbon-nanoparticle and microsheet anodes from polystyrene and starch-based packing peanuts.

Creating the anodes is a fairly straightforward process-- one needs to heat the peanuts at 500-900 degrees Celsius in a furnace under inert atmosphere in the presence or absence of a "transition metal salt catalyst." The result not only provides cheap and simple means of recycling the peanuts, but also promises faster charging times and higher "specific capacity" to current graphite anodes.

Following the launch of the new Macbook Belkin announces an assortment of 9 different USB-C cables for use with the Apple notebook and other upcoming devices making use of the latest connectivity standard.

USB-C handles data transfers, video output and power, and features connectors with a slimmer, reversible design perfect for more easily frustrated customers.

The Belkin cables include the regular USB-C (F2CU030), USB-A to USB-C charge cable (F2CU031), USB-A to USB-C (F2CU029), USB-C to Micro USB-B charge cable (F2CU033, F2CU034), USB-C to Micro USB-B (F2CU031), USB-C to USB-B charge cable (F2CU035). Also on offer is a USB-C to gigabit ethernet adapter.

Stockholm-based MyFC presents the latest version of its hydrogen fuel cell technology at Mobile World Congress 2015-- the Jaq, a slim and portable backup battery product usable with all USB-compatible devices.

The technology inside Jaq is more or less similar to that found in the previous MyFC fuel cell product, the PowerTrekk. The charger mixes salt and water (in the shape of a cartridge) to produce hydrogen. In turn, the hydrogen produces electricity, with the only by-products being heat and water vapour. The only difference is the Jaq is a much slicker rubberised sleeve, while the cartridges are slim and credit card-size.

Swedish furniture maker Ikea makes a surprise Mobile World Congress 2015 appearance, where it launches a portfolio of bedside tables, lamps and desks featuring built-in Qi wireless charging.

Designed by David Wahl, the furniture promises to eliminate cable clutter by charging any smartphone with Qi wireless charging support. In addition the company also offers a standalone Qi chargers customers can integrate into current (Ikea, obviously) furniture with a spot of drilling.

Microsoft launches a more portable version of its cross-platform lightweight Universal Mobile Keyboard at Mobile World Congress 2015-- the self-descriptive Universal Foldable Keyboard.

Like the Universal Keyboard the Foldable version is compatible with all iOS, Android and Windows devices and, like the name suggests, users can fold it in half for easy stowing in bags or even jacket pockets. Magnets hold the keyboard closed once folded.

It is all of 11.5mm thick when folded, and unfolds into a full-size keyboard measuring 29 x 12cm. Users can pair it via Bluetooth with up to 2 devices, with a button handling the switching between devices.

Pebble Technology returns to Kickstarter to crowdfund and/or open preorders for its next generation smartwatch-- the Pebble Time, an update featuring a colour ePaper display, microphone and a revamped "timeline" user interface.

Like the first Pebble, the Pebble Time features four physical buttons and requires connection to a smartphone (via Bluetooth LE) for actual usability. However it replaces the monochrome ePaper display with a 64-colour version, while the stainless steel body is slimmer and slightly curved to hug the wrist better.

Battery life clocks at around 7 days, making it superior to just about every other alternative on the market.