Nokia Launches a Nokia Bicycle Charger Kit

With 'green' technologies gaining momentum in the recent years, the
telecommunications industry has been finding ways to contribute to the
environment factor. The latest release to hit the market may not sound the most
impressive, but it is surely an innovative invention that is sure to gain
momentum in the next few years.

Nokia has launched a Nokia Bicycle Charger Kit, which captures free and
eco-friendly energy from bicycling to power a Nokia mobile on the move. The
application can be used with Ovi Maps, which will ensure that the user will
never be lost when navigating through unfamiliar locations. The kit consists of
Nokia bicycle charger DC-14, Nokia phone holder for bicycle CR-124 and a bottle
dynamo. The Nokia phone holder for bicycle includes a bag that can be used to
protect the phone from dust and humidity. The holder and the dynamo can be
self-installed using a combination of cable ties, nuts and bolts.

The charging begins as soon as the bicycling speed reaches 6 km/hour and
stops at 50 km/hour, matching the efficiency of a normal charger when the bike
is traveling at 12 km/hour. The charger can be fitted on to any Nokia handset
with a 2 mm charger jack, such as Nokia E72 or Nokia X6.

The product is initially targeting the emerging markets; places where
electricity may be scarce, unreliable or expensive. Making it possible for a
bicycle to charge a phone creates the difference between the chance of being
able to communicate and the guarantee to do so. In many areas, a bicycle powered
charging service might create a sustainable micro-business for some individuals.

Also, it is much 'greener' than charging it normally. It might also encourage
owners to exercise to boot. The charger is part of Nokia's general push for
'green
' solutions. They have already made significant changes to their standard
chargers over the last few years to minimize the idle power draw, giving
improved energy star ratings. A recent Greenpeace report ranked Nokia first in
its survey of green electronics.

The product plugs an unfortunate gap in the developing nations, and maybe
earns a number of cyclists the means to earn a living. In the west, it's more of
an environmental sell, enabling eco-conscious urbanites to feel virtuous about
their phone usage.

The kit was unveiled in Kenya, where Nokia suggests it will cost around €15.
Pricing will likely be higher in the western markets, where the target audience
is smaller. Charging times will obviously vary, but Nokia says that a ten minute
journey will produce enough power for twenty-eight minutes of talk time or
thirty-seven hours of standby time.

The kit will be available before the end of the year in selected retail
stores, and Nokia online and branded retail stores.

Madhura Mukherjee

madhurak@cybemedia.co.in