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Posts with tag SolarPower

i.Tech's SolarVoice Bluetooth headset could save the environment, not your look

by Tim Stevens Oct 28th 2009 @ 8:41AM

i.Tech's SolarVoice Bluetooth headset could save the environment, not your look
Those looking for another excuse to wear a Bluetooth headset all the time just got it: iTech's $75 Dynamic SolarVoice 908. That awfully long title is applied to a conceptually simple device, a headset with a tiny solar panel on the side rated at five hours of talk time when fully charged. Sadly, though, there's no mention of how long you'll need to bask in the sun to get it there. (AC and USB charging are also naturally on offer.) Unlike earlier examples it's A2DP compliant, so it'll stream your tunes, and boasts integrated noise cancellation, so it's perfect for making your drunken barroom conversations a little more garbled.

Samsung Blue Earth finally gets a hands-on treatment

by Laura June Jun 17th 2009 @ 12:39PM

We've been hearing about the Samsung Blue Earth -- an eco-phone, if you will -- since way back at MWC. Now CNET's finally gotten its hands on one at CommunicAsia in Singapore, and we have to say that we're pretty intrigued with what we're seeing. The back of the phone is covered with a solar panel, and Samsung says that one hour of sunning time for the mobile equals about 10 minutes of talk time. The handset also has a built-in pedometer to count steps for the Eco Walk carbon footprint app -- certainly something prospective buyers of the Blue Earth might be interested in. We still don't know full specs, pricing or availability for the phone, but we'll let you know when we do. Hit the read link for a video.

Sharp slings out industry's thinnest solar modules for cellphones

by Darren Murph 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]

Quigo ad placement

Scosche unveils solar-powered solCHAT Bluetooth speakerphone

by Darren Murph 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?

Solar Arcadia deals solar iPhone cases

by Darren Murph 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]

Researchers create solar tie that charges, carries cellphone

by Donald Melanson Aug 18th 2008 @ 4:04PM


There's certainly no shortage of folks working to incorporate solar cells into clothing and accessories, but a team of researchers from Iowa State University now look to have devised a way to make the wearable technology slightly more discreet, with them using digital textile printing to print fabric that matches the pattern of the solar cells. The solar cells themselves are then attached using a "liquid stitch" method, although that apparently presented its own set of problems, as the application of the cells made it difficult to tie a knot. As the researchers helpfully point out in thier paper, however, a clip-on tie would solve that problem. Combine that with the special pouch for carrying your cellphone, and you've got a combo that can't be beat.

[Via textually.org]

Quigo ad placement

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

by Darren Murph 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]

Motorola patent will see LCD fitted with solar cell

by Sean Cooper Apr 28th 2007 @ 9:51AM

Check the pic, is that cool or what? Actually, we're not very sure exactly what Moto is showing us with this picture, perhaps the recently approved patent application for the solar panel fitted LCD is sponsored by the letter "E"? The idea in concept is straightforward enough: your mobile's display could be designed such that it would have a solar cell built right in, so leaving your cell open (or maybe even while on a call, see below) would allow it to slowly recharge. The patent does reveal another interesting bit of info that reads "...at least some of the light passing from the front side and through the backside of the reflective liquid crystal display will illuminate," so we think this may well hint at a two-sided screen. We hope to see something from Motorola with this in it soon, and failing that, from whoever buys the idea.

[Thanks, Tom]

Sergey Brin, solar phone user

by Ryan Block Aug 31st 2006 @ 4:14PM

Oh Sergey, those billions are serving you well. You're the first kid on your block to use a solar-powered cellphone, and not some crappy solar charger? Ok, we'd wager his phone isn't entirely solar-powered, but interesting to note that when you're worth as much as this guy, it's pretty easy to save pennies here and there by spending thousands on a phone that runs from the sun's rays. We also forgot what large hands those billions can buy you, too.

[Via The Raw Feed]




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