Puma Phone

Smart phones have changed the world, of that I am sure, but there are so many things left to innovate. Recently leaked photos and info about the new Apple iPhone 4G provide some respite for the tech-needy, but I feel that some of the best product innovation is now going to come from the back of the pack. Enter the Puma Phone.

Puma — yes, the Puma of sneakers and tracksuits — is about to enter the mobile phone market in cooperation with Sagem Telecommunications with its version of the smart phone that attempts to shed the geeky-ness of the PDA for a playful fun interface. Call it human centred design for teenagers if you will.

It has features like a sarcastic calendar, icon messaging, and a faux digital scratch turntable, but it also has a sporty side with features like a GPS driven bike speedometer, running mileage calculator, and yachting compass. This is really a phone that is meant for play, not just business.

While the phone also solves some soon-to-be addressed issues with interface on other phones (ie. front facing camera for self-portraits and video chat), I feel that the most noteworthy feature of the entire phone is the solar panel.

Solar panel like on a calculator? You bet! I mean really, why has nobody put this into action yet? The pathetic battery life on most smart phones, particularly the Apple iPhone, could be easily boosted by something that we all have access to — the sun.

Adding a solar charging strip to the back of each phone is genius, and while it may not be enough to charge and power the phone completely, it will still provide a tangible benefit. Even if it extends battery life throughout the day by 10% that would be a substantial gain at little cost.

From an ergonomic and health point of view it would also get the phone out of our pockets and onto our desks thus also minimizing the potential for crotch cancer that can supposedly happen from keeping your phone to close to your person for extended periods of time.

For more information check out www.pumaphone.com