Etón, a producer of high-performance, green-powered consumer products has announced a solar-powered Bluetooth sound system. The Rukus integrates two 2.25-inch drivers with a 14-watt amplifier, an energy-efficient E Ink SURF segmented display, and a monocrystal solar panel to offer environmentally friendly portable stereo sound. The Rukus can also recharge the source device while it is playing the music.
A hands-on video of LG's solar-powered Optimus Sol has leaked on YouTube. The LG E730 OPTIMUS Sol is similar to the solar-powered prototype shown at MWC earlier this year. The source says the smartphone has a 3.8-inch AMOLED display and a 1GHz processor. The E730 in the video had Android 2.3.3 and LG's custom user interface.
QuickerTek has expanded its line of solar chargers for Mac notebooks to include the MacBook Air (11- and 13-inch third-generation models) as well as all the current MacBook and MacBook Pro models. The Apple Juicz Solar Charger, a photoelectric tarp, is available in 27- and 55-watt capacities and is designed to be used outdoors or in environments where sunlight is available but reliable convention power is not. The 27-watt model is designed for MacBooks and MBAs; the larger 55-watt version is intended for MacBooks and MacBook Pros.
Engineers at Stanford University are working on new technology that aims to double the efficiency of existing solar energy systems. Researchers are testing a conversion method, "photon enhanced thermionic emission," that thrives in higher temperatures, overcoming a drawback of traditional photovoltaic technology that becomes less efficient as temperatures rise.
Solar Arcadia has launched its Solar Charger for both first generation and 3G iPhones. Capable of charging the iPhone while out in the sun, features include LED indicators for the charging and discharging state, and a reverse-current protection-circuit, integrated to prevent iPhone batteries from being discharged. Using a lithium ion polymer battery; the case offers a max output of 5V, and a charge of 6V. Material for the casing is made from sheepskin.
QuickerTek is offering what it calls a "green" method of charging a Macbook Air. Announced on Friday, the Apple Juicz Solar Charger for the Macbook Air allows users to charge a Macbook Air using nothing other than solar power. There are three available models -- differing in size and charging power. All three are capable of folding up for storage and all also come with a stylish element bag for storing and carrying around the charger and a Macbook Air. The Apple Juicz Solar Charger is capable of charging a Macbook Air in between 5 to 14 hours, depending on the model being used. In order to use the charger an additional MagSafe adaptor must be purchased at the cost of $100 or QuickerTek can modify the customers current MagSafe adaptor for $25.
Apple may be seeking to use solar cells to power future devices, a newly-published patent application suggests. Solar power may offer a means of greatly extending the battery life of Apple devices, including both MacBooks and handhelds like the iPod and iPhone; the difficulty, according to MacRumors, is that portables often have limited space to fit solar panels, and if they do have space the panels may be fragile, and occupy room that could be used for other functions.
UK-based Solar Technology today unveiled the Freeloader 8.0, a portable solar charger with a built-in battery, designed for the iPod and several other electronic devices. The Freeloader comes in silver and pink, and features two small sold-away solar panels that can charge the internal battery within 5 hours, supplying up to 18 hours of power for the iPod. Solar Technology is selling the Freeloader 8.0 for £30 (~$60 USD); as of now, it is available only in the UK.
