Flexio Solar Powered Radio Concept
Self powering devices seem to be appearing every week now and the latest concept we have noticed is the Solar Radio, Flexio. On first looks this appears to be a great idea. A ultra thin solar radio that needs no charging, juicing itself up from the power of light. Made mostly from printed paper with very little in the way of electronics onboard fits this device in to the category of a promotional item.
Having the limited functionality of just being tuned to receive just once frequency makes this of limited use for a replacement radio. This along with the simplicity of construction and the print technology enable this to be mass produced very cheaply.
For large sporting events or concerts it could be included with your tickets and provide traffic or news information as your reach the event. Cruise liners could issue them to passengers to announce the various events happening around the ship.
The cheapness makes this quite possible but this may also reveal the negative aspects that may occur here, as its a virtually throw-away device with limited alternate use most of those will end up in landfill very quickly.
The three designers – Wu Kun-chia, Wang Shih-ju, Chen Ming-daw & Liou Chang-ho – have come up with a great idea. A self powering solar radio that could provide and low cost audio enhancement to functions. Finding the use without adding to piles of trash may be a bit hard to come up with. For a personal greener radio looking elsewhere may be of more benefit.
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