The on again, off again Digitimes rumour-mill claims both Apple and manufacturing-partner/device competitor Samsung are looking into solar cells as a future power source.

Samsung and Apple have been evaluating the possible niche market for solar-powered consumer products and considering the inclusion of Taiwan-based solar firms in their respective supply chains. However, according to Taiwan-based solar firms, these niche markets will need a longer time to develop.

The technology doesn’t seem to be ready, let alone affordable or scalable, so anyone waiting for iPhone 5 and it’s “unique charging method” to start drawing Kryptonian-style power from our strong yellow sun shouldn’t get their hopes up too soon. But one day? Who knows, maybe it’ll be “up, up, and away” with cables for good.

[Digitimes]

It’s an iPhone controlled Solar Powered Arduino Tank. Do we need to say more?

[via Gizmodo]

What we have here is a solar-powered iPhone case/charger, from Brando.com.hk, an Asian technology importer. And if you think about it, it’s really not too shabby an idea.

The cost of this clever case is $48 and it is made of black leather, includes a 3.7-volt rechargeable battery, and a built-in photocell. Two versions are available, a flip-top and a side holster.

How long does it take to fully charge your iPhone? 12 hours in direct sunlight. While that is a long time in the sun, it’s better than nothing if you are spending your day at the beach and need battery power. Or if you need some emergency juice, give it a few minutes and you’ll have the battery power for a quick call.

If you try it out, let us know how you like it!

(Via MacDailyNews)

“They could be a great people. They wish to be. They only lack the light to power their devices. For this reason above all, their capacity to consumer data, I have sent them you, my only phone…”

According to a recently unearthed patent filed in late April, Apple is looking into having the iPhone join the Last Son of Krypton in drawing energy directly from the yellow sun.

The patent describes sandwiching a layer of (semi-)transparent photo-sensitive cells below the glass and LCD and above the Flex PCB, and could apply equally to iPods and even MacBooks.

While definitely future-thinking, it could well make removable battery concerns a thing of the past.

[In homage, and with apologies to, Alex Ross, John Williams, Marlon Brando, Richard Donner, and Bryan Singer.]

Read