HTC Future v.s. possible Solar Powered Iphone 5?

[Mikesnap]

I'm not sure if this had been posted yet but i found this interesting little article.

Apple dreams of a solar-powered ... iPhone? | Technology | Los Angeles Times

What do you guys think? Could it be possible for solar power to power phones and if Apple patents it can the rest of the cell phone industry compete?

 

[i VTAK]

Since my phone is usually in my pocket I doubt the sun would be able to supply much power to it.

 

[DroDro]

I remember either LG or Samsung made a solar powered phone last year. Or was it Sony Ericsson?

 

[JZAJZZ]

Sony Ericsson made one

 

[Isthmus]

Funny this should be borught up and that apple is officially looking into it. I asked this very question a few weeks ago, and was dismissed as being impractical:

Why Can't Smartphones/Tablets/Netbooks Have Supplemental Solar Power???

As I see it, if it can be made to work, it would be a good idea for supplemental power supply used to extend battery life - especially on a tablet which is often sitting on a desk as opposed to being put away.

I didn't read the analysis, but do you know if they are exploring using it as supplemental power supply or only as alternate power to run the screen (thus taking the load off the battery)?