One reason I’m generally skeptical about all the content and functions being pushed on cellphones and other mobile devices is that ignore one fundamental obstacle: Battery life. With juice being so limited on these devices, users aren’t going to waste it on much beyond the primary function (talktime for phones, playback on media players, etc.).

So when periodic reports about the electronics industry’s efforts at improving battery technology cite baby steps toward 3-4 hours of active charge, I pretty much write off the prospects of broad adoption for all those fancy extras. Until they come up with standard batteries that last 8 hours, minimum, the customer isn’t going to bite.

Here’s an idea that might spur the development of a better battery: A partnership between manufacturers and media/software providers to tackle the problem. It’s a mutual-interest solution for mutual benefit: The Disneys, Microsofts and Electronic Arts of the digital world have a vested interest in seeing the hardware evolve to a point where it’s able to accomodate all their widgets, and have plenty of power left to do other things — without having to run to an electrical outlet every couple of hours.