26-05-2009, 08:30
Sharp first with solar-powered, waterproof mobile phone
![[Image: solar-ketai.jpg]](http://www.gizmag.com/pictures/hero/solar-ketai.jpg)
May 25, 2009 Mobile phones and the beach are generally not a great mix, but for anyone looking to stay in touch while soaking up the rays there are a few more details filtering through regarding Sharps waterproof, solar-powered phone. Due for a June release in Japan through Japans KDDI wireless provider the new phone has finally gained a title, the Solar Ketai (Solar Mobile) and will be released as part of KDDIs au line.
The new phone will claim a worlds first in being the first waterproof phone to embed a solar panel into its lid. The solar panel can charge up to 80% of the batterys capacity and can draw enough power from ten minutes of direct sunlight for a one-minute call, or two hours of standby time. Other details about the Solar Ketai are thin on the ground. Going by the picture it wont be a touchscreen model like Samsungs previously announced Blue Earth solar powered offering, but with still no release date set for the Blue Earth, it could beat its solar-powered competitor to market.
The Solar Ketai by Sharp is expected to be priced somewhere in range of 40,000 to 60,000 yen, (approx. USD$420 - $630 at time of publication) and will be released in June through Japan's KDDI - just in time for summer. There's no word on if or when the phone will be released outside Japan.
Darren Quick (Gizmag)
--------------------------------------
Sharp mengeluarkan ponsel yang ramah lingkungan, keyeeen
May 25, 2009 Mobile phones and the beach are generally not a great mix, but for anyone looking to stay in touch while soaking up the rays there are a few more details filtering through regarding Sharps waterproof, solar-powered phone. Due for a June release in Japan through Japans KDDI wireless provider the new phone has finally gained a title, the Solar Ketai (Solar Mobile) and will be released as part of KDDIs au line.
The new phone will claim a worlds first in being the first waterproof phone to embed a solar panel into its lid. The solar panel can charge up to 80% of the batterys capacity and can draw enough power from ten minutes of direct sunlight for a one-minute call, or two hours of standby time. Other details about the Solar Ketai are thin on the ground. Going by the picture it wont be a touchscreen model like Samsungs previously announced Blue Earth solar powered offering, but with still no release date set for the Blue Earth, it could beat its solar-powered competitor to market.
The Solar Ketai by Sharp is expected to be priced somewhere in range of 40,000 to 60,000 yen, (approx. USD$420 - $630 at time of publication) and will be released in June through Japan's KDDI - just in time for summer. There's no word on if or when the phone will be released outside Japan.
Darren Quick (Gizmag)
--------------------------------------
Sharp mengeluarkan ponsel yang ramah lingkungan, keyeeen
