The world’s first solar powered mobile phone, the “Solar Guru” (Guru E1107) was launched worldwide by Samsung. Samsung India recently announced the global launch of this phone in the Indian market. The battery of this new handset can be charged at any place where sunlight is available. This enables users to continue using the phone even when the phone is running out of normal charge.
This phone was launched by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Hon’ble Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Mr. J S Shin, President & CEO, Samsung South West Asia HQ at a ceremony arranged by the Company at their manufacturing complex at Noida.
“The Solar Guru has been developed keeping in mind the needs of Indian consumers, especially customers residing in areas where the electric supply is unstable, so that the consumers can rely on solar charging to remain connected.” commented Mr. J S Shin, President & CEO, Samsung South West Asia Headquarters. The Solar Guru seeks to offer an added boost to the Company’s leadership in the solar panel mobile market.
The extended solar powered battery of the Samsung Solar Guru serves as a remedy for unavailable or unstable electric supply, particularly in remote places. One hour of solar charging provides the phone with around 5-10 minutes of talk time. In contrast to traditional electrical charging, the solar panel charging enables its users to save money and energy.
“With Samsung’s cutting edge technology and consumer-oriented strategy, I believe the Solar Guru is the perfect fit for the Indian consumer – not only because it is solar powered, but because it has a host of customized features , especially developed keeping in mind the needs of Indian consumers” mentioned Mr Sunil Dutt, Country Head , Samsung Mobile Division.
The Samsung Solar Guru arrives in a compact design. It packs in entertainment features such as FM radio for music on the go, MP3 ringtones, embedded games and a powerful torch light. Consumer safety is ensured via a Mobile Tracker that automatically alerts when the SIM card is changed or emits an SOS message in an emergency. The Solar Guru also provides a specialized feature called “Mobile prayer” which possesses religious prayers and wallpapers.
The Samsung Solar Guru attaches a price tag of Rs. 2799. After its introduction in India, the Solar Guru will be launched in various markets that include Europe, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, and Latin America in June 2009.