Samsung debuts solar-powered cell phone

(Credit: Samsung)

If you're an outdoorsy type, you might never have to worry about your phone running out of juice again.

Samsung announced Wednesday its first solar-powered GSM mobile phone, the E1107, also known by the catchier name Crest Solar. The phone is a dual-band GSM (900MHz and 1800MHz) and can be charged anywhere the sun is shining.

The phone is about the same shape and size as most regular compact cell phones, but with one big difference: on the back it has a solar panel that's capable of providing enough juice for about 5 to 10 minutes of talk time for each hour of charging.

Of course, this depends on how sunny it is. According to Samsung, the above estimate was based on 80,000 lux of sunlight (an average sunny day) with the phone turned off and sucking up rays.

The Crest Solar comes with many features. Its essential mobile phone features include FM radio, MP3 ringtones, embedded games, and the capability to work as a flashlight. The phone also has a few original security features, such as Mobile Tracker, which automatically alerts you when the SIM card is changed and sends out an SOS message in an emergency. It also has a fake call feature, which means you can pretend to get an incoming call when you need to get out of an uncomfortable situation (like a bad date).

Other than that, Samsung offers localized features. For example, in Southeast Asia, it offers profile screening for bikers, which provides incoming call alerts from selected contacts only to promote safe riding. The Crest Solar also provides specialized features for different religions, such as alerts for prayer time.

The Crest Solar will be available in numerous markets including India, Europe, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, and Latin America staring this month. In India, it costs $59, which is a really good price. However, its price is generally determined by the carriers. There's no word as to when or if it will be available in the U.S.

Earlier this year, Samsung unveiled another solar phone, the Blue Earth.

[externallain]

It's looks like Samsung took a phone from 2001 and glued a solar panel on the back.

[kschmeltzer]

Solar panels and fake call feature? Wow! Too good to be true.

[ravikumardk1]

This approach of recharging a mobile with sunlight may reduce the battery life.
As this will be charging the mobile whenever it will be in the sunlight.
as there is one factor in the every batter that is called as memory unit and it playes a very important role in the performance of battery.

like if u r using the battery and when it is 70% discharged and if charge it at this point and we do recharge it at 70% again and again then after sometime when it will be discharged by 70 % then it will seems that it has discharged completely.

it is true. but i am not saying any thing against the technology. it is a very good approach.but there should be machanism that when we want to recharge it then only it will be recharge with sunlight.

[mailhacker]

Where are you stuck in? The stone age?
By the way its called the memory effect, NOT memory unit.
Second, it only affects Ni-Cd batteries. All modern day devices use Li-ion.
Third, do a quick research before posting.

Cheers

[mailhacker]

Solar charging is not exactly viable the way it is now. How can you expect someone to stand outside in the sun for an hour for 5 minutes of battery life? I rather pop into my favorite coffee shop. They will let me charge for no cost at all.

[1WebDesigner]

Excellent feature to remove global warming.

[ravikumardk1]

Thnx for da info...

[Ryan_R]

Well my phone is always in my pocket when I'm outdoors, so it isn't really that helpful, unless I want to risk my phone being stolen.

Samsung is horrible. Don't buy Samsung.

[denis9834]

why

Samsung is horrible! Don't buy Samsung!

[denis9834]

why

[clrgj2]

It makes perfect sense. Standing outside in the sun for an hour and then talking for 5 minutes. If there's a burglary during the day, you can lock yourself in a room and let the phone sit by the window for half an hour so you can call 911.....

[bwest33]

Those of you who are saying that this is a stupid concept because it takes too long to charge or you'd rather charge from a wall outlet instead are completely missing the point of this phone. Though this article doesn't do the best job of saying so, this phone is being marketed primarily in emerging markets, which is why it's not making its debut in North America. Think about it logically: This is a simple phone that's not loaded down with costly features and can be charged without total reliance on a stable power grid. Aside from emerging markets, the article above also alludes to the "outdoorsy type" of phone owner. I'm sure a lost hiker would more than appreciate the horribly slow solar charging mechanism. A person who considers a jaunt to Starbucks a nature walk, however, isn't likely to agree. :o)

[nielsene]

People who are energy conscious will appreciate this phone, some people care enough about the environment to enjoy that solar panel, and though they probably did just put solar panels on a generic phone and that?s probably not the final version, it makes sense to have a very simple, dumbed down phone because it wont use as much energy. Most people who look at CNET would hate this phone, but a lot of people don?t care about having the flashiest phone. I don?t think this is the worst idea

[jonlboo]

I can't wait for one of these solar phones to hit the u.s.Why do we always have to be the last to get the cool stuff.I work all day in the sun. All it needs is a belt clip so the panel can recharge while i work.I also like to see the sharp waterproof/solar phone to come out SOON!!!!! Is it really that hard for people to see how great this is. I've lost so many phones and mp3 players from being caught in the rain.The options really suck and i'm sick of the iphone . It really doesn't have to be this complicated or expense.