By Kendra Srivastava | Mon Apr 18, 2011 11:21 am
Sprint plans to launch the Samsung Replenish, its fourth eco-phone, on May 8 for $50 with a two-year contract, suggesting a growing consumer interest in green technology. Built from 82 percent recycled materials, the Replenish is also energy-efficient and features apps from TreeHugger.com and the National Audubon Society. For an extra $30, customers can purchase a solar-paneled back cover to charge the battery. It even comes with a prepaid envelope to send in and recycle your old phone for free.
"We want to make it as simple as we can for our customers to go green," said Dan Hesse, Sprint's CEO. "We are also lowering the monthly rate for this phone by $10 for new or existing customers so it pays for itself within just five months."
As part of its effort to compete with mobile giants AT&T and Verizon, Sprint has tried to differentiate itself with a focus on green devices. Last year, the company was the sixth greenest in U.S. according to Newsweek; Sprint's website outlines its various environmental initiatives, like recycling programs and green apps.
Devices that are now often used need not be made separately if they can conveniently come together into a single device. Take the case of having along a separate card reader and another USB hub- it can be quite a hassle bringing them both with out when you are out and about. It is a good thing that Green House has developed a convenient device that works both as a USB 2.0 Hub and a card reader in its new GH-CR45UHK Combo device.