A breath of fresh air: Clever gadget transforms the air from your lungs into energy to charge your phone



AIRE we go: The mask harnesses wind power created by breathing and converts it into electricity

Soon going for a run won't just help your fitness levels, it’ll give your phone a boost too thanks to an ingenious new inventionthat uses the air from your lungs to charge it.

The clever piece of kit, dubbed the AIRE mask, harnesses the wind power created by breathing and converts it into electricity to run anything from your iPod to your mobile.

The electronic mask contains tiny wind turbines and the energy created is transferred through a cable to your electronic device.

Inventor Joco Paulo Lammoglia, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, said the device could be used in all situations from running to sleeping.

He said: ‘I hope to bring the concept into production and reduce the carbon footprint.

‘It can be used indoors or outdoors, while you're sleeping, walking, running or even reading a book.

‘Besides saving energy and helping environmental preservation, it also encourages physical exercise.

‘Its energy is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

‘Though many of our modern gadgets offer benefits, they tend to use a high amount of electrical energy.

‘Harnessing energy from human activities and transforming it into electricity is possible and is a great solution.’

There is one phone that doesn’t need the help of the AIRE mask, though – the SpareOne mobile.

This unique phone runs on one AA battery and keeps its charge for up to 15 years.

Dream machine: The AIRE mask works equally well during sleep

Cool idea: The inventor hopes the AIRE mask will help tackle global warming by reducing carbon footprints

SpareOne: This long-lasting phone doesn't need recharging

It has no camera, web browser or other hi-tech extras such as touchscreens.

It's designed simply to work as a phone - and built to last.



The phone goes on sale on March 15, priced at £60 in the UK and $70 in the U.S.

The phone is designed as a 'backup' phone you can keep in the glove compartment for emergencies.

The idea is that you can keep it there without worrying if it’s charged or not.

Many modern mobiles will lose their charge over time, even if switched off.

Its makers say that SpareOne is ideal to leave in the car for emergencies, or to pack in travel luggage – especially if you or your loved ones plan to go off the beaten track (or off-piste).

The SpareOne can be pre-programmed for instant access to phone numbers of key contacts, including the relevant emergency services in any location.