Ambient Electromagnetic Radiation to charge Nokia phones

The Nokia Research Centre in Cambridge, UK, is currently working on a phone that converts ambient electromagnetic radiation (from cell phone antennas, Wi-Fi transmitters, network towers, etc.) into electrical energy. In a nutshell, it uses the same principles as an RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology. The prototype device is capable of 5 milliwatts, but the minimum requirement to charge a handset when it is turned off is 50 milliwatts. However, Nokia is also working on coupling with other alternative energy sources including solar, though not as cool as electromagnetic waves. According to Nokia’s researchers, a fully-functional device of such can become commercially available in 3 or 4 years time.