Nokia phones could warn of lightning strikes

Espoo (Finland) - Nokia, the top-selling handset maker may be running short on ideas for new phones, as the Finnish company recently patented a technology that warns users of imminent lightning strikes, reports IDGNS.

According to the patent application, the phone would use existing frequency receivers, like FM and GSM tuners, to detect abnormal waves caused by nearby lightning.

The patent claims Nokia's technology would be able to tell the user how close the strikes are to the phone's location.

According to a 2006 report from IDC, Nokia holds about 48% of the convergence phone market share.