Nokia has quietly ended a research programme into using solar power as a means of charging mobile phones, finding that the technology was impractical for everyday use.
The Finnish mobile phone maker had hoped to create mobile phones with photovoltaic cells, which would recharge the phone without needing to use a charger.
According to ITWorld, while the company developed a prototype model that could generate enough energy to power the phone in standby, it required the user to carry the carry the phone in a holder around their neck.
While reasonable results were achieved during trials in Kenya, the device performed poorly in colder climates.
James was the editor and publisher of SmartCompany and LeadingCompany for five years. He is now the Australian Financial Review‘s companies & markets editor, and a former BRW editor.
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