The iPhone has stirred up a lot of hype, but for the eco-geek, there’s another touch screen phone this year that might be even more exciting.  Samsung has introduced their new eco-friendly Blue Earth phone, one of the first solar-powered cell phones on the market.  In addition to being sun-powered, the making and packaging of the phone places a strong emphasis on recycled material while the user experience encourages the phone’s owner to take little steps (literally) to improving the environment.

ECO USER EXPERIENCE

• The phone’s software has functions to encourage users to contribute positively to the environment
• One example is the “Eco Walk” function, where the phone acts like a pedometer and tells users the amount of CO2 emission they’ve reduced by walking, and consequently the number of trees saved by this decision
• Another application, the “Eco Mode,” is an easy way to adjust the phone’s backlight so that it’s more energy efficient

POWER SAVING

• The phone has a solar panel located on the back, in which 10-14 hours of sun power yields about 4 hours of talk time
• An energy efficient charger also comes with the phone, claimed to be over 75% more energy efficient

ECO-PACKAGING

• The commercial packaging for the phone is made of recycled paper
• Overall, it’s 40% lighter than typical packaging, thereby reducing the delivery weight

ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS

• The phone is made from PCM, recycled plastic from water bottles

–Image credit: Samsung/Cnet–

The phone is scheduled to be available in Europe later this year.  No word as to when it’ll hit the states — but if you know, let us know!