A patent application suggests that Apple is considering a solar-powered iPod in the future.
The patent, discovered by MacRumors, describes an iPod with a solar panel under the LCD screen that could be used to provide additional power.
However, the surface area is so small that it is unlikely to be able to totally power the device.
IPod screen sizes are increasing, but so too is the load on batteries following plans for GPS and other power hungry features to be added to the range.
The patent application makes no mention of how to get past the screen reflection problem, since LCD screens are highly reflective.
Other manufacturers have already looked at this area. Motorola filed a similar patent for under-screen solar cell technology for organic LED screens which are less reflective.
Blue Earth touch-screen phone features integrated solar panel and is made from recycled plastic bottles 13 Feb 2009
Survey of public sector IT managers reveals deep concern over ability to deliver on carbon-neutral targets 03 Jul 2009
From record-breaking solar panels to the International Renewable Energy Agency's new home, we round up the top stories from the past week 03 Jul 2009
Well, I hope they got a no win, no fee deal. I don't like being cynical (it's more of a congenital thing)... 03 Jul 2009












