Tech Innovations You Haven't Heard of Yet

Forget global warming, a tech freeze-out is under way.

If these first few weeks of tight credit is any indication, small businesses grappling with deploying new technologies face a new challenge: finding out what's going on with new business tools. Gobs of important tech news have floated out over the past few weeks, but with all the noise over the credit crunch, most of it was either drowned out or completely ignored. Credit woes have taken another casualty, it seems: the future.

X-ray cell phone

Tokyo-based KDDI released an early version of a mobile phone that mixes multiple data sources from maps, cell-phone telemetry, satellite data and more to render real-time location information for multiple nearby objects -- even those behind walls! In other words -- get ready for it -- the company released an actual X-ray cell phone that would let you track who's where in real time. Check out this video link -- see those little dots moving on the phone screen? That's your staff. No, you cannot see through their clothing, but you can see where they are relative to you, even in another room, live! Just think about the implications.

Battery breakthrough

And here's another overlooked news item: a major step in battery technology. Toshiba announced a deal for its new SCiB Ion batteries. These power sources will go into an electric bicycle, branded under the Schwinn name, called the Tailwind. The battery is made by a division of the Cannondale Sports Group, a unit of Dorel Industries.

The new SCiB Ion battery will throw off a hefty 4.2 amps, running at 2.4 volts, or enough to help you and the bike get up that hill to the office with just a little pedaling help. It will recharge to 90% capacity in just five minutes, Toshiba says. The SCiB battery is game-changing stuff for all the things without power cords. For example it's perfectly suited for tools, forklifts and other industrial applications where internal combustion engines are not suitable.