These days companies long to create the next must-have feature. At one time that was merely by combining a cell phone with a camera or by adding mp3 playback (ah those simple times…) But lately things don’t seem so simple, as most people want a portable device that simply does everything. However, functionality comes at a price; consumption, as in power, as in the battery life of this all-in-one is next to none. Concurrently, being tethered to power outlets is not only limiting, it’s almost counterproductive considering how many other devices (essential or otherwise) we hook up to the grid. Recently we reviewed the Solio Mg Edition portable solar charger. As noted in the article the pocket-sized device is capable of harnessing those almighty rays of sunlight and using them to power your Britney Spears albums (yes, we know about your secret obsessions). But what if rather than having a separate charging unit, the portable device, be it a music player, cell phone, etc. was itself capable of converting solar power to digital goodness. Well, there’s potential that Apple is thinking just that as they recently filed a patent for solar power integration into portable devices. But there’s one major twist.
As evidenced by the Solio Mg, oftentimes solar power requires additional space; be that a separate unit, a chunk of the screen size, or simply general clunkyness in the final product. The bottom line: solar power forces handheld devices away from their dream of compact size and maximum usability. And that’s what makes this patent filing by Apple so interesting as the patent calls for the integration of solar cells within the screen itself. Not only does this eliminate any of the drawbacks of solar power, it poises the idea itself as the next must-have feature. It’s practical, efficient, convenient, and it’s green.
That being said, I have my reservation about seeing this patent materializing into iPods and iPhones any time soon. Patent filings can be merely claims to an idea and often times reveal little regarding intention of use. Motorola filed a similar patent back in 2001 and we have yet to see the technology in the mainstream market. And while the notion is green in principal it would amount to a small offset in power consumption as newer 3G devices ramp up power consumption.
(However, I’m of the belief that energy (and therefore environmental) conservation needs to rapidly evolve beyond gimmickry and become an accepted reality. Rather than being a lifestyle choice, it needs to simply be part of living. And that starts with an exodus on the manufacturing end, shifting as many devices from the power grid to more viable, renewable resources. If Apple makes a move, many may in fact follow. End rant.)
