Apple is reportedly [1] interested in a technology developed by a start-up, Eneco, allowing to convert heat generated by a device to electricity.

The "solid state energy conversion/generation chip" technology not only provides energy to the device from its own heat, but also cools it down.

That would let a company like Apple to make devices with longer battery life and with a better cooling. These devices would also be the kings of "green" consumer electronics.

Dell is also interested in the technology which is currently at the early stages of its development. No information is provided on when this technology could be put in production.

If this technology indeed works, this could be a huge breakthrough in energy and heat related issues PC and handhelds manufacturers currently encounter.

Current devices are mainly powered by Li-Ion batteries, which clearly show their limits in terms of battery-life and sometimes cause fire issues, as seen with Sony's batteries this year.