17 February,2009 09:28 AM IST | | Agencies
Samsung unveiled the world's first solar-powered mobile phone at an industry show here today where the sector is showcasing the new technology it hopes will drive demand through the economic crisis.
The South Korean manufacturer put its Blue Earth phone on display in front of curious crowds at Mobile World Congress, with industry insiders keen to see the mini solar panels located on the back of the cellphone.
"This type of device would be ideal for developing markets where workers have long hours and don't have access to electricity," commented Nick Lane, chief researcher at consultancy Direct2 Mobile.
"It would also interest consumers with an eye on the 'green' aspects, or companies and their CSR (corporate social responsibility) programmes."
Theu00a0solar-powered cellphoneu00a0is to be launched initially in Europe in the second half of 2009, but is likely to be out of the price range of a worker in the developing world.
A Samsung representative said it would be a mid to high-end handset. A full charge taking 10-14 hours in the sun would offer about four hours of talk time.
The 'green' phone can also be plugged in to charge, with the solar panels used to top up the battery to extend its power.
