# Multimedia On Methyl TOSHIBA Fuel Cell By Bianca | Published 2007-10-08 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/methyl-toshiba-fuel-cell References: [topnews.in](http://www.topnews.in/toshiba-has-created-multimedia-player-fuel-ceatec-2007-tokyo-23090) [Toshiba](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aurex-axrp10) broke the news today that they invented the Gigabeat, "the player of the future," a [multimedia player](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tl1-music-player) that runs on fuel, not battery. The devices are powered by methyl spirit (methanol), one litre of which will let the [prototype device](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aircela) run for 1,000 hours. The players come with equipped with what I'll call a fuel gauge, a little indicator that detects the amount of methanol juice is left. Just like a car, it needs to be refueled, which the user can do on their own simply by hooking up the player using its frontal socket. On the back a tap evaporates the used methanol. Using methanol as fuel is a lot more energy efficient than using alkaline batteries, and in the future, could also become a lot more affordable. The news was unveiled at Tokyo's CEATEC 2007 exhibition. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Multimedia](https://www.trendhunter.com/multimedia) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Fuel-based Multimedia Players:** The invention of multimedia players powered by fuel opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in portable entertainment and electronics industries. - **Energy Efficiency in Portable Devices:** The use of methanol as fuel in multimedia players highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in creating more energy-efficient portable devices across various industries. - **Affordable Alternative Energy Sources:** The affordability potential of methanol as a fuel for multimedia players signifies disruptive innovation opportunities in alternative energy industries and the potential for widespread adoption. ### Where This Applies - **Portable Entertainment:** The introduction of fuel-based multimedia players can drive disruptive innovation in the portable entertainment industry by offering long-lasting and easily refillable devices. - **Electronics:** The integration of fuel-powered technology in multimedia players presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the electronics industry, leading to more sustainable and efficient devices. - **Alternative Energy:** The use of methanol as a sustainable fuel source in multimedia players showcases disruptive innovation potential in the alternative energy industry, opening new avenues for affordable and eco-friendly energy solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digitally Enabled CD Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-cd-player.md) - [Hydrogen Fuel Supplies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-hydrogen-cartridge.md) - [Versatile Hydrogen Battery Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrogen-cartridges.md) - [Modernized Cassette Tape Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiio-cp13.md) - [Portable Media Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-media-player.md) - [Portable Methanol Analytical Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/analytical-device.md) - [Portable Solid-State Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-sst-battery.md) - [Next-Gen Retro Audio Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiio-m21.md) - [Audio-Enhancing Music Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sony-walkman-nwa306.md)