Blue Earth - Samsung's Solar Powered Phone

Electronics leviathan Samsung has unveiled a new mobile phone which unites touch-screen technology with solar power – an unprecedented achievement.

The solar powered phone, named ‘Blue Earth’, highlights Samsung’s pledge to stabilise the environment, according to the manufacturers.

Photovoltaic Panel - Solar Powered Phone

Blue Earth is meant to look like a pebble and draws its power through a photovoltaic panel located on the reverse. Its environmental credentials are further enhanced through its use of recycled materials in its construction, specifically water bottles.

Those using the solar powered phone will be able to select to do so in a dedicated ‘Eco Mode’ – a function that makes the device operate with optimum energy efficiency.

Recycled materials are also drawn upon heavily as far as the packaging is concerned.

Solar Charge

A complete solar charge lasting between 10 and 14 hours will give sufficient power to provide approximately 240 minutes talk time, but, if required, the phone can also be charged conventionally too, then naturally recharged whilst in use.

Another feature of the phone that leans towards the environment is a pedometer named ‘Eco Walk’, designed to encourage those using it to gain insight into how, by choosing to walk rather than drive, they can reduce their individual carbon footprints (i.e. how much CO2 has been saved). This information is displayed in the form of trees, the number of which being shown relating to the number that have been saved.

“Samsung’s ‘The Blue Earth Dream’ demonstrates our small but meaningful commitments for the future and our environment”, Samsung Electronics’ Head of Mobile Communication Division and Executive Vice President Mr J.K Shin stated in a company press release issued in connection with the phone’s launch.

He added: “We are committed to achieving the highest eco-status with our customers and business partners by providing the best eco-products and promoting eco-activities.”

Current scheduling sees Blue Earth becoming available to UK consumers towards the end of 2009, with no information yet available on its recommended retail price, or other associated factors.

Enviro-News recently profiled another new, environmentally friendly mobile phone – Motorola’s W233 Renew. The Renew, according to its makers, is the first carbon neutral mobile phone in history.

Samsung Blue Earth image kindly provided by and copyright of Samsung Mobile