Charge your mobile by talking

Researchers have found a type of piezoelectric material that can create electrical power from the pressure waves formed when you talk. It could result in a mobile phone that recharges as you use it. [Source: MotherJones.com]

O2 launches universal energy-saving charger

Hot on the heels of the recent cross-manufacturer charger rating system, O2 says it's become the first UK network to launch an energy-efficient universal mobile phone charger. The £14.99 O2 Universal Charger claims to cut energy consumption by as much as 70% compared to standard mobile phone chargers by reducing charge to the mobile phone once the battery is fully charged - even if the charger is left switched on in a plug socket. The company says the energy saved by all phones using the O2 Universal Charger would be enough to make over 7 billion cups of tea - the equivalent of £31 million - or, from an environmental perspective, could save the equivalent carbon emissions of over 36,000 cars per annum. Mind you, at the moment it'll only work with Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson devices. And the cost of buying universal chargers for all of the estimated 73 million mobiles in the UK would be £1.094 billion. [Press release]

Wireless technology promises better battery life

An engineering student at Canada's Carleton University has demonstrated that wireless technology can be used to prolong battery life. His prototype device connects a mobile phone's antenna with the rest of the phone's circuity by using a wireless link instead of conventional wires. Atif Shamim estimates that his module consumes 12 times less power than the traditional, wired-transmitter module and is also much simpler in design. A paper about his invention has already been commended at the European Wireless Technology Conference. [Carleton University news]

Mobile manufacturers agree rating system for chargers

LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson have launched an energy rating system for chargers, making it easier for consumers to choose the most energy-saving devices. The new rating system indicates how much energy each charger uses when left plugged into the wall socket after charging is completed. The ratings covers all chargers currently sold by the five companies, range from five stars for the most efficient chargers down to zero stars for those consuming the most energy. Ratings will be shown on each manufacturer's web site. [Nokia press release]

Smartphones are driving customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction with mobile phones is increasing in the USA as smartphones become more popular. The link between the two bas been made by J.D. Power and Associates, which has just published its latest Wireless Mobile Phone Evaluation Study. They measured customer satisfaction by looking at design, operation, features, durability and battery life. Their results showed that average prices have risen because of the increased popularity of smartphones and other highly-featured phones. Customers are also spending more per month - yet overall satisfaction has improved significantly and is higher among younger handset owners who are more inclined to own feature-rich phones. [Press release]

Vodafone offers in-store charging for flat batteries

As we mentioned last week, battery life is behind one of the biggest criticisms of mobile phones. Vodafone has just launched a scheme to help by offering in-store charging if your mobile's battery is flat. Selected stores have a secure locker with a variety of charging plugs - not just for mobiles but also for music players and games devices. 30 minutes will cost you £1, 90 minutes is £2. The service is initially available at just six locations. [Sources: shinyshiny.tv; Pocket-Lint.co.uk]

Mobile customers want style above other features

Consumer review website Reevoo.com has asked 31,000 mobile phone customers to say what they liked most and least about their new mobile phones. The top three likes were looks, size and camer - while battery life, usability and software were the main reasons for disliking a phone. (Full details are online at Reevoo.com's blog). [Press release]

Phones exploding around the world

Here’s a story that wasn’t all that it seemed. First of all, police in South Korea said a quarry worker may have died because his mobile battery exploded in his pocket. The man was found dead with a melted mobile phone battery in his shirt pocket, having suffered burns, fractured ribs and a fractured spine. However, one of the unfortunate man’s colleagues later owned up to staging the accident after accidentally hitting him when reversing his truck.

And if that wasn't enough, a New Zealand man says he his mobile phone exploded at night whilst charging. Apparently he was woken by the sound of the explosion and found the phone on the floor in flames.

[Source: WashingtonPost.com (also for New Zealand report)