Samsung Introduces a Solar Powered Mobile Phone
The Blue Earth phone includes a solar-charging panel on its backside, which Samsung claims "can generate enough electronic power to call anytime anywhere." While this sounds promising, Samsung has yet to release the precise specifications and details of the phone, such as how long the panel needs to charge, or how long the solar-charged battery will last in terms of standby and talk time. As you will not always be able to charge the phone using the solar panel--such as on rainy days or if you are indoors and not near a window--the Blue Earth also "comes with a 5 star energy efficient charger which uses standby power lower than 0.03W."
"Blue Earth is made from recycled plastic called PCM, which is extracted from water bottles, helping to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions in the manufacturing process. The device, including charger, is free from harmful substances such as Brominated Flame Retardants, Beryllium and Phthalate."
The phone will also include an "Eco mode," which can be set with a single click. The Eco Mode will put the phone in a power-saving mode by doing things such as lowering the screen brightness, reducing the backlight duration, and setting "Bluetooth to an energy-efficient mode." An "Eco Walk" feature takes advantage of the phone's built-in pedometer, "calculating how much CO2 emissions have been reduced by walking as opposed to motor transport."

Samsung states that the Blue Earth is "designed to symbolize a flat and well rounded shiny pebble." There is no word yet on when the Blue Earth will be available, which service providers will offer it, or how much it is expected to sell for. However, on February 16, Samsung's www.samsungmwc.com site will launch, and it will presumably have more details about the phone. Additionally, Samsung will be officially unveiling the phone on the 16th at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona, Spain.