A green cell phone

Let there be light

(Credit: Crunchgear)

Motorola is up to new tricks with its recent patent for a cell phone display that doubles as a solar cell. Apparently, the screen will be able to charge a cell phone's battery when the display is exposed to the sun. Though external solar-powered battery chargers are a reality, this is the first concept we've seen for a cell phone with an integrated solar panel. It's doubtful the phone would get all its juice from the sun. Rather, sunlight probably would power the handset while it's away from an electrical outlet. We have no idea which phone model Moto would outfit with the technology, but it appears a Razr Maxx Ve showed up in the patent filing.

[treet007]

Huh? Is this Practical?

OK, so when you open the cell phone (being a flip phone) to answer or make a call, the LCD screen near the speaker also doubles as a solar panel. So when you hold the cell phone close to your ear, the speaker is going to point towards your ear canel, and the solar panel will be smashed to your facial cheek. Unless you are going to use the speakerphone feature predominently, this sounds like an impractical design.

[adl456]

A Green cell phone

Instead of using the lcd on the inside it might be on the outside facing away from your ear. Seems reasonable as so many people walk and talk at the same time. Just as long as you dont cover the solar cell/lcd while using it.