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The research could lead to mobile devices that use transparent materials, repel dirt and fingerprints, and use solar energy to charge up.

Nokia's Morph concept shows how future mobile devices might be flexible enough to transform into different shapes.

Nokia and the University of Cambridge on Monday introduced a nanotechnology concept called Morph, which demonstrates how future mobile devices could be flexible enough to transform into different shapes.

Morph, jointly developed by the Nokia Research Center and the University of Cambridge, entails stretchable and flexible materials, transparent electronics, and self-cleaning surfaces that will give nanotechnology ultimate functionality, according to Nokia.

The concept uses a similar principle as spider silk, enabling elasticity in mobile devices so they could be transformed into different shapes to adjust to a specific task. It could involve a folded design to be used in a traditional mobile phone, or a larger unfolded design for displaying more information and involving keyboards and touch pads.

Morph could lead to mobile devices that use transparent materials, repel dirt and fingerprints, use solar energy to charge, and use integrated sensors to provide more information about the environment -- an idea that Nokia introduced earlier with its Eco Sensor Concept that involves a wearable mobile phone and a sensing device that analyzes a person's health and surrounding environment.

"Nokia Research Center is looking at ways to reinvent the form and function of mobile devices; the Morph concept shows what might be possible," said Bob Iannucci, Nokia's CTO, in a statement.

Nokia formed a relationship with the University of Cambridge in March and established a research facility at the university's campus. The phone maker's research center is collaborating with the university on several projects, particularly focused on nanotechnology.

Some elements of Morph could be integrated into high-end mobile devices in the next seven years. Eventually nanotechnology used in Morph could lead to lower-cost devices and allow for more functionality in a much smaller space, Nokia said.

The concept will be featured at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City from February 24 to May 12, 2008 as part of the "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition. By Elena Malykhina