Orange hints at solar-powered mobiles

Mobile operator Orange this week announced it is selling the world's first solar-powered Bluetooth headset and hinted more solar power devices could be on the way.

The Iqua 603 SUN gives users unlimited operating time anywhere where the solar cells on the headset can catch direct sunlight, according to Orange.

The company added that the headset, which retails for £49.99, limits users' problems with battery life and also reduces their energy use, with even indirect sunlight increasing talk time by up to 12 hours.

A spokeswoman for the company said that Iqua's figures showed that "an average user in average light conditions will use 3.5 times less mains electricity [charging the device] when compared to a conventional non-solar powered headset".

Orange hinted that with the efficiency of solar cells continuing to improve, the new headset could be the forerunner for more solar-powered hand-held devices.

"This product demonstrates the potential for solar power for mobile phones," said the Orange spokeswoman, adding that the company was committed to working with partners such as Iqua to investigate ways of making mobiles and accessories more energy efficient.