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Sharp slings out industry's thinnest solar modules for cellphones

by Darren Murph posted May 26th 2009 @ 10:56AM

Timely, no? Just a month after Sharp aided in producing the planet's first waterproof solar cellphone, the aforementioned outfit has just announced the industry's thinnest solar module for handsets. Checking in at just 0.8 millimeters thick, the LR0GC02 shouldn't take up too much space on your ~~daughter's~~ great-granddaughter's smartphone, and while Sharp isn't handing over too many details just yet, we figure it'll pretty much do what it says. You know -- charge the handset it's integrated into whenever sunlight is available. As for when we'll see these in cellphones everywhere? Take a wild guess, tree-hugger.

[Via Akihabara News]

World's first waterproof solar cellphone from Sharp makes Somalian pirates say arggg!

by Thomas Ricker posted Apr 20th 2009 @ 7:19AM

In continuation of a recent trend of major manufacturers announcing a new-found interest in ~~making a buck off developing nations~~ solar-powered cellphones, AU (KDDI) and Sharp have announced the June launch of this unnamed solar handset. Besides being the world's first waterproof solar handset, it charges to a minute of talk or 2-hours of standby after just 10 minutes in the sun. No other specs were announced though we seriously doubt it'll be a power-sucking feature- or smart-phone. Naturally, it'll still be a boon to people where electricity is scarce but what about the industrious guy who owns the village car battery?

[Via Akihabara News]

Scosche unveils solar-powered solCHAT Bluetooth speakerphone

by Darren Murph posted Mar 17th 2009 @ 4:14PM

If you happened to snag one of those Iqua Sun solar-powered Bluetooth headsets a few years back, you'll probably have no need whatsoever for this. For everyone else, listen up. The Scosche solCHAT Bluetooth speakerphone boasts an integrated solar panel and rechargeable Li-ion, and when installed within one's vehicle, it simply pairs up with BT-enabled handsets when in range in order to give drivers the ability to talk handsfree. The simply styled unit has just three visible buttons -- volume up, volume down and the all-important answer / hang-up key -- and it can be yours right now for $99.99. Oh, and just in case you live in some shadowy place like Seattle, a USB charging cable is also throw in -- just don't tell Mother Earth, alright?

Samsung's Blue Earth is saving the world from behind glass

by Paul Miller posted Feb 18th 2009 @ 7:30AM

The entirety of civilization seems fairly well and dedicated to one-upping each other in the "green" department, and Samsung is looking to up the ante once again by stating that "blue is the new green" and putting out the new Blue Earth solar phone to prove it. Sadly, the Blue Earth isn't quite ready to go -- currently it's only to be seen in non-working mockup form, though the hardware is certainly looking good. Samsung's showing off its eco-packaging and built-in energy-saving functionality, including an "Eco Walk" function to let you know how many trees you save by walking places. The phone itself is built from castor bean extract and recycled plastic, and Samsung claims the integrated solar panel saves up to 34.6% of the battery's energy. They're also showing off a hand-crank generator, external solar chargers, and even a solar-charged stereo headset. It's clear that Samsung isn't just playing lip service to green (or blue, as the case may be) but at this point in time this technology is likely to act more as a gimmick and promise of things to come than a truly life-changing device.

Gallery: Samsung's Blue Earth is saving the world from behind glass

Solar Arcadia deals solar iPhone cases

by Darren Murph posted Dec 20th 2008 @ 2:07AM

Until Apple pumps out the next-gen iPhone with integrated solar cells, we suppose Solar Arcadia's solar-powered cases are your next best option. Available in both SideFlip and Leather Flip models, the cases not only offer relatively stout protection for your handset, but they also include a solar panel in order to give your mobile a few more minutes of life while you're out and about in the sun. Each one is constructed from ABS sheepskin and is available in either red, white or black (Leather Flip is black only) motifs; not too shabby for $45.95 -- just don't expect this thing to dramatically increase your time of use.

[Via TUAW]

Orange's recharge Pod tent to keep mobiles juiced at Glastonbury

by Darren Murph posted Jun 16th 2008 @ 9:52AM

For those fortunate enough to be planning a trip to this year's Glastonbury, you can rest assured that forgetting your mobile charger won't be the worst thing that could possibly happen. Reportedly, Orange will erect a seven-meter high recharge Pod tent in which patrons can stop by and reinvigorate their winded handset. Said tent will boast 500-watt solar panels and a 500-watt wind turbine in order to generate electricity for the lifeless phones, and Orange is hoping to juice up 100 devices per hour. If only such conveniences were everywhere...

[Thanks, Adam]

Solar powered Hi-Tech Wealth S116 goes retail

by Sean Cooper posted Jun 24th 2007 @ 6:53PM

Hi-Tech Wealth's solar powered S116 that we caught sight of at CeBIT earlier this year has finally hit official retail status. While the launch date was a bit off the mark, sadly the pricing -- a hefty $510 -- and the sad fact that it is only a dual band GSM set at 900 / 1800MHz hasn't changed. For a first effort at providing power from Ra, we're definitely gonna have to waive the usual frequency criticism and hope that one of the six other handsets they release this year is in a more North American-friendly band. Oh, and yeah, this bad boy can indeed charge by the light of a candle.

NTT DoCoMo becoming more eco-friendly

by Michael Caputo posted Dec 25th 2006 @ 7:01PM

There certainly have been times when our cell phone has died and there isn't a charger in sight so we can make that important phone call. Soon, there will be (somewhat) of a solution for NTT DoCoMo (at it again) customers as the carrier might bring a cellphone that features solar panels for convenient charging. Now it's not the sleekest looking thing out there, as it reminds us of the old school Gameboy SP, but cutting down on the need to charge devices the old fashioned way is OK by us. Check out an additional picture after the break.

[Via T3]

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