The First Solar-Powered, Waterproof Phone Goes to Japan

It seems that the first solar-powered mobile phone that also comes with waterproof capabilities is on its way to see the sunlight in Japan soon, on the airwaves of the wireless carrier KDDI. The manufacturer of the handset is stated to be Sharp, while the phone is expected to become available on the market starting June, the ongoing year.

The capabilities of the device seem rather impressive. According to the manufacturer, if the phone is kept ten minutes into the sunlight it can withstand a one-minute call or remain in standby for about two hours. In addition, the company also states that the battery of the new handset can be recharged to as much as 80 percent using only solar energy, given the fact that the front face of the device includes a special storage technology.

Undoubtedly, this is one “green” eco-friendly alternative to traditional mobile phones, and the maker says that the fact that the handset is not dependent on standard electricity to operate will contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emission levels a lot.

As many of you might already know, a wide range of mobile phone makers announced lately plans to come to the market with devices powered by solar energy, and some of these handsets have already been unveiled, including one from the Korean phone maker Samsung, announced back in February, yet the new phone seems to be the first to actually be mass produced, while also being slated for launch this summer in Japan.

The solar power alternative is not the only action manufacturers have taken in their attempt to come with more eco-friendly handsets. We've already learned that some of the phones, like the Motorola W233 Renew, the world’s first carbon-neutral mobile phone, have been developed using recycled materials, such as water bottles.

Hopefully, Sharp will consider making the new device available on more markets, and not leave it with the “Japan only” mark on it, because it is great to have a handset that recharges from the sunlight while also being water resistant. No details on the possible price of the phone have surfaced so far.