“Motorola recently received a patent for combining an LCD screen and a solar cell on a wireless device. While the cost of such a concept makes the iPhone seem like a bargain, the concept of having a display that also can have a dual purpose of receiving light for recharging the battery makes a lot of sense. Moto’s patent notes that this technology is better with black-only LCDs achieving up to a 75% light let-through rate. In the market, thin film solar cell development has come a ways since this technology was filed.”

The patent describes a method for obtaining partial or full power for the device through the LCD. Since the patent application was filed on October 31, 2001, the PatentMonkey analysis for Crunchgear says significant technological developments have been made. Certainly, anything to supplement and extend battery life at a reasonable cost is appreciated. But, considering the patent’s filing date, it looks like someone needs to invent a faster approval process!

Statements from CEO belie Microsoft’s previously announced intentions of adding phone capabilities to iPod competitor.

Many thanks to Jason Surguine for letting me know about PDAmill’s (aka NavnGo’s latest title, Maggot Attack Pinball, giving you “the great experience of playing an authentic, state-of-the-art Pinball machine, in addition to tons of extra gameplay features only possible in a video game, and all in the palm of your hand!…

This week’s Pixel Perfect newsletter bears word of a one-week-only 30% discount on Secrets of Da Vinci, cutting the price to $17.45. As I’ve already mentioned, this offer only lasts one week….

Climateware has released AA Poker, described as “the brand new Texas Hold’em, putting the fun back into Poker. Join Britney as she hosts a poker tournament you won’t forget. This Hold’em game pushes the limits of the Pocket PC to bring you state of the art graphics, AI and gameplay.”…

“A gaming system including handheld devices and console devices has variable functionality and processing performance as determined by the number of components in the system. Gaming components can be combined wirelessly, by wired connections (e.g., via a docking station), or a combination thereof. The processing capabilities and functionality of each gaming component in a combination are augmented by the processing capabilities and functionality of other gaming components in the combination. To take advantage of another gaming components processing capabilities and memory capacity, each gaming component is capable of utilizing another gaming component to process gaming applications. Further, each gaming component is capable of rendering audio and/or video information provided by another gaming component. Also, a gaming component is capable of utilizing another gaming component as an adjunct processor.”

This patent filed by Microsoft isn’t a reference to Live Anywhere, but something much more. It suggests that one hardware component of a gaming ecosystem can utilize the processing capabilities of another connected component to fulfill a task. Imagine using your Pocket PC as a display or your Zune as a controller for your Xbox 360. Of course, all this is highly theoretical, and patents should always be taken with a grain of salt - at least, until they materialize. Your thoughts on the whole thing?

Scott introduced a new line of products this week, and is giving a 25% off these new SeV items - but only until April 29th! Items include Performance Polos, Pullovers, and T-Shirts.

You can check out the new line here.
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It’s funny: I show this phone to a few friends, and they’re not entirely impressed until I slide out the keyboard. The Vox is probably the smallest device out there with a sliding keyboard, so it definitely gets people’s attention.

My first thought upon unsheathing the device was that the screen was large. To be exact, it’s 2.4″, which is .2″ larger than your average candy-bar WM phone,… Read More