Samsung Blue Earth Phone Powered by the Sun

Samsung has announced Blue Earth: the first solar-powered touchscreen smartphone.

In the run up to the Mobile World Congress 2009, Samsung has officially announced Blue Earth, a new all-touchscreen smartphone powered by sunlight. The front of the phone is one giant touchscreen interface, while the back boasts a solar panel which the company claims can generate enough electricity to keep the phone charged and ready to go. And Samsung’s environmentally-conscious efforts don’t stop there: the phone is made from recycled plastics from water bottles, and is free of toxic substances like phthalates, beryllium, and brominated flame retardants. The phone’s packaging will be made from recycled paper products and the phone’s charger—yes, it’ll come with a charger—consumes just 0.03 watts on standby

“Samsung’s ‘The Blue Earth Dream’ demonstrates our small but meaningful commitments for the future and our environment,” said the head of Samsung’s mobile communications division Mr. JK Shin, in a statement. “We are committed to achieving the highest eco-status with our customers and business partners by providing the best eco-products and promoting eco-activities.”

The Blue Earth will feature a 3-inch touch screen and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, but otherwise Samsung is being tight-lipped about the phone’s specifications. The Blue Earth will feature a built-in pedometer that translates users’ walking distances into CO2 savings…and presenting the information in terms of the number of trees the user has saved. The Blue Earth will also lower screen brightness and lighting and powers down Bluetooth with one click, offering improved energy savings. The Blue Earth will also sport a digital camera, although Samsung hasn’t revealed specs on it.

No word on pricing, carrier partners, or when Blue Earth might reach consumers, but it’s certainly nice to see major electronics manufacturers trying to innovate with energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly technologies.