Alcatel, MPower to make battery chips

Alcatel and MPower formed a partnership to design chips for lithium-ion battery packs that power consumer devices like cell phones, radios, digital cameras and PDAs, the companies announced Tuesday. Alcatel, known for making telecom gear, also makes chips and will team with U.K.-based MPower, which manufactures custom-designed battery packs for devices. The companies said in a statement that they believe the partnership will allow them to establish a strong position in the fast-changing battery market, an industry that is set to bloom as more consumers seek handheld devices that run on more efficient power sources.