Putting A Charge Into Your Cell Phone

Many of the innovations that really catch our eye – especially in the wake of the iPhone’s release – tend to involve cell phones themselves. From tactile touchscreens to high-def video, the industry is full of exciting new additions that continue to push wireless technology forward.

Don’t overlook the progress being made in the world of accessories, though. Ever wondered if there’s a better way to charge your phone when you’re on the road or out in the wild? We stumbled upon two new products this week that probably qualify as novelties for now, but definitely deserve a mention.

The first is a “solar-jacket� from the Italian design house, ZEGNA. The jacket features power cells fitted into its collar, and is able to route power to a small storage battery, or directly to your cell phone or MP3 player. The jacket generates a full charge in 8 hours, and can distribute that power to your phone in 4 hours. Enjoy a full day on the ski slops, for example, and never worry about finding an electrical outlet again.

Another fun prototype that surfaced in Europe recently comes from a company called Gotwind – a wind-powered cell phone charger. The small plastic windmill is easily mounted on top of a tent, and generates a consistent electric charge that is then housed in a battery. The company estimates that a full charge can be produced with wind speeds of 12 mph over a 24-hour period. It’s the “set it and forget it� of the cell phone accessory world.

The commercial version is not yet available, but, between Gotwind and ZEGNA, freedom from wires and plugs is inching ever closer.