Apple Eyes Solar-Powered Gadgets

iPods and iPhones could soon harness sun's power with new patent

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 27, 2008 12:35 PM CDT

(Newser) – Apple is seeking a different kind of moment in the sun, reports Forbes, as the behemoth has filed a patent that would integrate solar cells with its iPods and iPhones. The technology would boost the amount of area available for cells, paving the way for truly mobile gadgets free totally unplugged from the power grid.

Apple's patent involves a layer of photovoltaic cells stacked underneath a mobile device's touch-sensitive area. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

The technology patented by Apple would maximize the amount of space available on portable devices for solar cells. ((c) OliverAlex)

A visitor to the Apple Store West 14th Street uses her iPhone on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007 in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

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Apple Eyes Solar-Powered Gadgets

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iPhone Kills Carrier Profits

AT&T, Verizon, Sprint lose out by subsidizing Apple's cell phone

Lawsuit: We Invented the Web, So Pay Up Google

Eolas Technologies patent claims interactive web is its brainchild

iPad, iPhone Ban Overturned

Motorola's patent infringement ruling in Germany doesn't last long

How Siri Could Hurt Everyone's Cell Service

She's a giant 'bandwidth guzzler': Paul Farhi

Apple Earnings Soar on Huge iPhone Sales

Company sells 37M as earnings double

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iPhone Kills Carrier Profits

AT&T, Verizon, Sprint lose out by subsidizing Apple's cell phone

Lawsuit: We Invented the Web, So Pay Up Google

Eolas Technologies patent claims interactive web is its brainchild

iPad, iPhone Ban Overturned

Motorola's patent infringement ruling in Germany doesn't last long

How Siri Could Hurt Everyone's Cell Service

She's a giant 'bandwidth guzzler': Paul Farhi

Apple Earnings Soar on Huge iPhone Sales

Company sells 37M as earnings double

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