Mobile phones are one of the most common pieces of technology used in our daily lives. Some reports put the number of cell phones sold in 2007 worldwide at 1.1 billion. With that number of cellular phones sold in 2007 alone, the market is very hot leading to expanded research and development of new handsets.

Nokia and the University of Cambridge have teamed up on a new concept phone called the Morph described as a nanotechnology concept device.  The concept design was launched at the “Design and the Elastic Mind” exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

According to Nokia, the Morph is a concept intended to demonstrate how devices in the future could be stretchable and flexible allowing the user to change the shape of their device on a whim. The nanotechnology construction is capable of providing users with flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces.

Nokia Chief Technology Officer Dr. Bob Iannucci said in a statement, “Nokia Research Center is looking at ways to reinvent the form and function of mobile devices; the Morph concept shows what might be possible.”

Nokia claims that certain elements of the Morph could be integrated into high-end handheld devices in the next seven years. Nokia adds that nanotechnology could at some point lead to low cost manufacturing solutions providing complex devices at low prices.

University of Cambridge Professor Mark Welland added, “Developing the Morph concept with Nokia has provided us with a focus that is both artistically inspirational but, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience research that will stimulate our future work together."

Nokia made headlines earlier this month when the German government demanded $60.5 million in a refund of subsidies it provided.