Sharp Unveils Solar Powered Cell Phone
Officials at Japan's Sharp Corp. say a solar panel snaps on to the device and soaks up the sun, which powers the phone. The phone is waterproof, which makes it perfect for poolside chatting. Japanese consumers need only worry about clouds. For now, the phone is only being released in Japan.
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RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
The recession is hitting Japan as well, and some companies there are coming up with bright ideas to boost future profits. Our last word in business today comes from the Japanese electronics company Sharp. The word is bye-bye battery. Sharp recently unveiled what's believed to be the world's first solar-powered cell phone. A solar panel snaps onto the device and soaks up the sun, which powers the phone. It will be out this June - conveniently, though, only in Japan. The phone is also waterproof, so it's perfect for poolside chatting. Japanese consumers need worry only about the clouds. And that's the business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.
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