KDDI unveiled solar-powered waterproof phone

[Dolf]

Sharp’s mobile division along with Japanese mobile phone carrier have unveiled what could very well be THE handset of the year (iPhone Third Gen be damned). The handset doesn’t yet have a name but with specs like these it could very well remain nameless. This Eco friendly handset comes with what seems to be a large touchscreen that’s covered in a water proof casing for one thing. Besides being perfect for a country with monsoons, the handset also has its very own solar panel as well. With the heat wave on, we’d never need to use electricity.

This Eco friendly handset comes with what seems to be a large touchscreen that's covered in a water proof casing for one thing. Besides being perfect for a country with monsoons, the handset also has its very own solar panel as well.

The handset can offer about one minute of talk time and get about 120 minutes of standby by store up sunlight for just 10 minutes. 80% of the regular battery can be charged via Solar energy.

For now the handset will be available only in Japan.

[Gonzo]

The solar-powered waterproof phone will also come with a conventional battery that can be charged up to 80% via solar power. It will be sold in Japan from June.

[Pugsly]

The yet unnamed device has a tiny solar panel behind the lid, making it possible to charge the phone through the power of the mighty sun. KDDI au claims 10 minutes of a solar charge is enough to be able to make a quick phone call (one minute) or use the phone on standby for an impressive 120 minutes.

[Simond]

Price and features are currently unknown, although Sharp has claimed that after just ten minutes of charging in the sun, the phone will give you one minute of talk time and two full hours on standby. This world's first should be available in June, just in time for summer.