KDDI intros waterproof, solar-powered Sharp phone
updated 11:40 am EDT, Mon May 25, 2009
Solar Au KDDI phone
Japanese wireless provider KDDI will soon launch the second solar-powered cell phone, with the SH002, built by Sharp. The solar panel built into the backside of the handset will, in 2 hours of exposure to the sun, charge the battery to provide 10 minutes of calling time or 140 minutes of standby time. A 1.1-inch electronic paper display shows the charging efficiency and status of the solar panel and battery. The phone is also IPX5/7 rated for resistance to water exposure.
The main display is 3 inches in size and offers a 480x854 resolution common to newer Japanese pones. It has a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and image stabilization. External memory comes in the form of up to 2GB microSD memory cards. A Wi-Fi radio and 1Seg TV tuner are integrated as well.
The handset includes Au Smart Sports for Fitness software that uses a Bluetooth connected pedometer to measure how many calories a user has burned. Its programming can also tell users what their body fat percentage is. Preloaded Japanese golf course map data works in conjunction with the built-in GPS sensor to let players know how far they are from the pin. Mobile wallet functionality rounds out the key specs.
Due to be available in blue, white or pink, the SH002 is due out on June 24th in Japan, though no pricing information has been released. [via Impress]
