The Umeox Apollo solar-powered Android phone has been introduced at Mobile World Congress. The handset features a 3.2-inch (320 x 480) display, a 1GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, an FM radio, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, a 3-megapixel rear camera and a 3.5mm audio jack. The company estimates that charging up for daily usage should only require about 2.5 hours of sunlight. It takes a full 17 hours to recharge a battery from empty to full. The 900/1800MHz model will be released in Q2 2011, while the 850/1900MHz model will be launched in Q3 2011. [MobileCrunch]
SkyMall has started selling the Dexim P-Flip solar charger for iPhone 4, 3G, or 3GS. The Dexim DCA 223 P-Flip folds into a compact package that’s easy to take with you. Flip it open and the cool looking camouflage-colored solar panels can fully charge your iPhone. The gadget also adopts a 2000mAh battery, so you don’t need to be charging your iPhone exclusively while the sun is out. It takes around 15 hours of natural sunlight to fully charge your hungry power iPhone. In addition, you can also plug the P-Flip into the wall or a car charger. $79.99 is all you need to bring home the Dexim P-Flip solar charger. [Product Page]
You are lucky if you are living in India, because Vodafone Essar will launch the solar-powered Vodafone 247 in August 2010. Priced at just Rs. 1500 ($32), the phone requires 8 hours of direct sunlight to fully charge. Once a battery is fully charged, it will provide around 8 days of standby time or 4 hours of talk time. The Vodafone 247 will enable wireless communication even where there is never any electricity. Additional features include an FM radio and a torch. [UnwiredView]
The Aeolus Phone concept by industrial designer Cyrene Quiamco allows users to charge their cell phone anywhere at any time. The concept uses renewable energy such as wind power and solar power to charge its integrated battery. The Aeolus features a power generating fan that will capture even the slightest breeze to produce energy. There is also a built-in solar panel to recharge the phone’s battery. Cyrene Quiamco claims that the phone can be built from renewable materials. What’s more, the Aeolus can also be attached to a bicycle or on the window of a car with a special tripod in order to capture more energy while you are on the go. More
Novothink today rolled out a brand new solar-powered battery pack cases for the iPhone and iPod Touch that can add up to 8 hours of talk time for the iPhone 2G, up to 4 hours of talk time for the iPhone 3G/3GS, or up to 20 hours of audio playback time for the iPod touch. The Novothink Solar Surge also functions as a hard case to protect your iPhone or iPod Touch. The charger element of the Solar Surge will generate electricity using a photovoltaic solar cell, storing this electricity on its Lithium-ion polymer battery. Available in several colors such as black, green, blue and white, the Novothink Solar Surge iPhone/iPod case and chargers are shipping now. The iPhone model is priced at $79.95, while the iPod touch model retails for $69.95. [TFTS]
Regen’s ReNu is a sleek solar-powered docking station charger that comes with an innovative design allowing you to recharge your iPhone battery on the go. Measuring 9-inch x 9-inch and weighing at 500grams, this portable charger can be placed in a window with a suction cup or on a table or desk with its built-in stand. In direct sunlight, ReNu’s built-in solar cells collect the sun’s energy to charge its internal Lithium-ion battery. Priced at $199, the ReNu will begin shipping in February 2010. You can also pre-order it right now to save $25. [Product Page]
