UK student designs world’s first bamboo smartphone

The new smartphone – called 'ADzero' - is made from four year old organically grown bamboo specially treated for durability. Like many phones it will include a camera, but ADzero features technology called a 'ring flash' not available on any current mobile phone. A circular photographic flash around the camera's lens ensures very even illumination and minimises shadows. The unique handset is made from as many materials from sustainable sources as possible. According to the device's designer, Kieron-Scott Woodhouse, a 23 year old Middlesex University student from Shepherd's Bush, the phone, which runs on the Android system, is approximately half the weight of an Apple iPhone and has a larger screen. Woodhouse designed the mobile phone in his spare time, posted his creation on forums and websites and was then contacted by a technology entrepreneur who wanted to bring his ideas to life. The pair joined forces with a hardware engineer and within weeks had set up a company to manufacture the phone. The smartphone was initially intended for the Chinese market, but after receiving an enthusiastic reception at a design show in London during London Design Week 2011, Woodhouse's company 'A.D.' plans to launch the phone in the UK first and then open up to other markets. "Bamboo may seem like a strange material to use for a phone," said Woodhouse, "but it's actually extremely strong and very durable, perfect qualities for this kind of application. The whole experience so far has been incredible and completely unexpected. Completing my final year and working has been challenging, but my course and the project complement each other well and it's a great start of my career. I can't wait to see my mobile phone in shops this year." Dr Andy Bardill, Woodhouse's tutor and Middlesex University's product design and engineering director of programmes, added: "The web has opened up the highly competitive design sphere and enabled those with talent to get noticed more easily. Kieron-Scott's is a remarkable designer and has made the most of the opportunities Middlesex has provided, which put him in good stead to make his new company a real success."