Rs. 1,295 Solmate gives more power to your mobile

BANGALORE, INDIA: Here's making the best tap of solar power for mobile batteries.

A new, revolutionary device, Solmate Flare, automatically converts solar energy (heat) into DC power on its internal battery. You can, in turn, use it to charge your mobile batteries. By the way, you can use it also as a flashlight and hand-held lantern.

The device can also be charged from a power outlet, says the product website, http://www.getsolmate.com/. "While the Solmate Flare is an ideal product for emergency situations, it is also designed to be a regular use product for home and business users, travelers, and 'outdoor' people."

It is touted to be compatible with almost all mobile phones, including smartphones, mp3 players, most of the point & shoot cameras, and every USB chargeable device.

It has four standard adapter tips — for Samsung, Nokia, Sony Ericsson and Micro USB-compatible smartphones — and the company says that selected adapter tips are also available for purchase from its online store.

An in-built USB port in the device enables most devices that come standard with a USB charging cable to plug directly into it without needing separate adapter tips.

It takes roughly about three hours to get charged and it might be a tad more when charging from an USB port. The flash memory built into the Fusion could be used to store electronic copies of critical travel and identity documents apart from personal media and other files, says the manufacturer.

The Flare costs Rs 1,295 and can be bought directly from Solmate's website.

Solmate Flare specifications:

Solar Panel: 0.55 W

Input: 5V, 500mA (Micro USB Port)

Output: 5V, 500mA (USB A Port)

Flashlight: 1W, 100 Lumens

Lantern: (Panel Light): 1W, 100 Lumens

Lighting Type: LED

Battery: Li-ion Rechargeable, 3.7V, 1200mAh

AC Charging Time: Approximately 2.5 hours

USB Charging Time: Approximately 2.5 hours

Solar Charging Time: 8-12 hours (subject to sunlight and atmospheric conditions)

Impressive enough to get your hands on one?