Nokia patents the first self-charging phone

The phone manufacturer's concept would harness the energy created as a person moves around, through the use of piezoelectric crystals. Nokia, the mobile phone makers, are developing a self-charging phone that will use the kinetic energy created when a person moves around to ensure that the mobile never runs out of juice. The plan is revealed in a patent application seen by The Times and filed with US authorities. The new device could power a phone, but the concept could transfer on to any portable electronic device - such as a music player, medical equipment or games console - and so could do away with the need for batteries and chargers altogether. The machine would work through the use of piezoelectric crystals, a substance that creates an electric current when bent or compressed, for example in the igniter of a cigarette lighter or in a gas oven.