I suspect that as LED efficiencies increase, the focus for flashlights will change somewhat.
Right now, most manufacturers and modders seem to be interested in the 'more power, more light' approach to flashlight building. This has led to problems with heat and problems with developing more powerful battery technologies to supply high-power LEDs...including safety problems and explosions.
As we see higher efficiencies, perhaps makers will focus on getting the most out of current battery technology. With a stated 85 lumens at 350 ma, waste heat has obviously been directed into photon creation in this new LED. That means longer LED life and longer runtimes. It also means these kinds of chips will expand the plastic/polymer bodied flashlight selection, since a heavy heatsink won't be nearly as important.
[quote:Manzerick]
WOW!!!!!
The wheel is reinvented once again!
[/quote]
That's what helps keep flashlights fun...the future!
Shameless plug follows....you can also find the press release here:
Cree Delivers the First 160-Lumen White Power LED