Articles tagged with Smartphones
A smartphone app developed by computer scientists at the University of Waterloo uses an algorithm to direct users on camera positioning for optimal photos. The app, which has shown a 26% improvement in selfie quality, teaches users about composition principles and can be expanded to include additional factors.
A large-scale study of daily step data from anonymous smartphone users in over 100 countries reveals how countries, genders, and community types fare in terms of physical activity. The study found that countries with greater activity variation have a larger proportion of inactive women and higher obesity rates.
The study analyzed data from 717,000 people in 111 countries and found that big gaps between activity levels coincided with higher obesity rates. The research also highlighted the powerful role of gender in country-to-country differences, with women affected more dramatically by negative consequences.
A study by Kent State researchers found that playing Pokémon GO increased daily walking behavior by 102 percent among college students. The game also reduced sedentary behavior by 25 percent during the first week after downloading. These positive effects persisted weeks later, even with a decrease in game play frequency.
Researchers at Lancaster University showcase a new smartphone app that can verify product authenticity using graphene-based digital fingerprints. The technology has the potential to eradicate product counterfeiting and forgery, two of the costliest crimes in the world.
A KAIST research team identified a software glitch in smartphones' screen rotation-tracking algorithms as the cause of frequent document photo orientation errors. Their novel technique can correct phone orientation in document-capturing tasks at 93% accuracy and seamlessly work with existing methods.
A new detection system based on pressure changes offers a simpler, more affordable alternative for detecting cancer biomarkers, environmental pollutants, and food contaminants. The system uses smartphone software to provide immediate results, enabling real-time monitoring of disease outbreaks and pollution.
A new app is being developed to stop voice hacking using a smartphone's compass, which can detect magnetic fields and prevent replayed voices from being convincingly impersonated. The app aims to provide an additional layer of security for users and protect against growing digital security threats.
A new dynamic hybrid device technology has been discovered, combining semiconducting molecules C60 with layered materials graphene and hBN to create a unique material that revolutionizes smart devices. The material boasts improved physical properties, including stability, electronic compatibility, and lightness.
A study found that using smartphones to deliver lab results to attending physicians reduced discharge time by 26 minutes for chest pain patients. This innovation could improve emergency department flow and reduce waiting times.
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) convert movement into electricity, and daily body motion can power wearable devices. Researchers found that arm motion can cover the energy consumption of a smartwatch and even smartphones.
Electrick, a low-cost touch sensing technology, can turn objects of almost any shape into touchpads. The system uses electric field tomography to sense finger touches and detect locations with an accuracy of one centimeter.
A study found substantial differences in accuracy between commercially available heart rate apps, with some apps performing up to 20 beats per minute off from the clinical gold standard. Non-contact apps performed less well than contact apps, particularly at higher heart rates and lower body temperatures.
A new study reveals that period tracking apps frequently fail to meet users' needs, with inaccuracies in prediction, assumptions about sexual identity or partners, and a focus on pink design. The researchers suggest five key improvements for designing better period tracking apps.
Researchers created custom cells that produce insulin when illuminated by far-red light, allowing for remote control via smartphone application. This innovation enables instant feedback between therapeutic cells and diagnostic devices, promoting stable blood glucose levels in diabetic animals.
A study by Binghamton University found that excessive smartphone use leads to problems such as depression, social isolation and anxiety. Females were most likely to exhibit susceptibility to addiction, accounting for 7% of the 'addict' category.
The study successfully detected three magnitude 5 earthquakes since December 2016 without false alarms. Individual smartphones and 'smart' appliances could be part of a crowd-sourced network for earthquake early warnings in the future.
A crowdsourced traffic violation reporting app, Mobile Roadwatch, has been developed to improve traffic safety. Drivers can capture and report traffic violations using their smartphones, providing valuable evidence for police to issue tickets.
The study found that playing Pokémon GO with children increased physical activity, as kids walked more steps per day and engaged in outdoor activities. Parents reported improved quality time with their children, discussing topics beyond the game itself.
Researchers found that both humans and smartphones frequently fail to distinguish face morph photos from genuine faces, posing a security risk for identity verification. This weakness can be exploited by fraudsters, but raising awareness and using new technologies may help overcome these issues.
Researchers have developed a rapid-testing prototype that weighs under a pound, costs as little as $100 and can detect mosquito-borne illnesses within 30 minutes. The device uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) diagnostic method to test for Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses.
A Rutgers study developed a novel model predicting smartphone interruptibility based on personality traits. The research found that users' willingness to be interrupted varied by location and mood, with pleasant moods increasing interruptability.
Researchers developed a technique to transmit audio and data via FM radio signals without affecting original transmissions. Objects like posters and clothing can now send information directly to smartphones or cars.
Researchers found that deep discounts appeal more to present-oriented people, while future-minded buyers value third-party product quality ratings. The study showed that a combination of quality ratings and discounts generates positive reactions in both groups.
A new smartphone app has been developed to measure ride comfort for railway companies, providing instant feedback from passengers about bumps, bangs and vibration on trains. The app uses artificial neural networks to evaluate ride quality, revealing that modern smartphones' accelerometers are suitable for measuring comfort.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed new ways to interact with smartwatches, including scrolling through apps with finger gestures on the watch band and rejecting phone calls by blowing on the screen. These techniques use existing technology such as gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, making them more accessible an...
A new smartphone app called Cigbreak Free has been developed to help smokers quit by incorporating behavioral change techniques into a game-like interface. The app uses 37 evidence-based methods to encourage users to progress through levels and gain rewards, making it easier for them to stick to their New Year's resolutions.
Researchers found that users who are actively shopping in a category are more likely to search for any brand, but as users move from recognition to purchase intent, they become increasingly more likely to search for the specific brand. Brand owners are also more likely to search for their brand, even when not actively shopping.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a cost-effective method for live cell imaging using smartphones, enabling laboratories worldwide to study cellular responses to treatments. The innovative system utilizes 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf electronics, providing excellent cell culture conditions and high-resolution imaging.
The study found that large-scale data can be gathered in real time from mobile devices, stored securely, and transferred. State transition patterns of activity, not just absolute activity, relate to the reported presence of disease.
The MyShake app has recorded nearly 400 earthquakes globally since its launch in February, providing valuable data on seismic activity. The app's performance shows it can complement traditional seismic networks and serve as a stand-alone system in areas with few stations, helping reduce earthquake-related injuries and damage.
A new study found that children who spent more time on screen devices and watching television were more likely to engage in behaviors leading to obesity, including poor diet and lack of physical activity. The research suggests that limiting screen device use may be as important for health as limiting TV time.
Researchers have developed a catalyst that accelerates sodium-air reactions in seawater batteries, achieving an average discharge voltage of 2.7 volts over 100 cycles.
A Disney Research team has developed a model-based method to realistically reconstruct teeth for digital actors and medical applications, even with obscured teeth in photos or videos. The new method uses statistical modeling to create natural variations in tooth shape and spacing.
A mobile app developed by researchers at the University of Oklahoma uses real-time risk estimation to predict tobacco cessation lapses, achieving an 80% accuracy rate. The app combines six questions to identify lapse-risk factors and delivers tailored messages to help smokers overcome triggers.
A new sweat-sensing skin patch can track biomarkers like electrolytes, glucose, and pH to monitor health and fitness. The device was tested in healthy volunteers and showed reliable results with minimal discomfort.
A smartphone application called Cardiio Rhythm uses facial signals to detect subtle beat-to-beat variations in heart rate, correctly identifying over 92% of cases with atrial fibrillation. The technology's convenience makes it attractive for large-scale community screenings.
Most smartphone applications claiming to improve diet and nutrition fail to adhere to evidence-based guidelines. A study found that over 75% of apps received low scores for addressing daily food group amounts and whole grains. This highlights the need for app developers to address these gaps.
Researchers found that smartphones enhance self-reporting of weather incidents, school attendance, illness, and other daily life aspects in rural areas. This technology has the potential to provide near-real-time data for policy makers and planners.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between increased smartphone screen-time and lower sleep quality. Over 650 adult participants recorded their daily screen-time using a smartphone application, revealing that longer screen-time periods were linked to poorer sleep quality and less sleep overall.
Researchers at the University of Houston developed a smartphone-based water testing system using DotLens technology. The system uses commercially available test kits with a low-cost attachment that provides a narrow-band light source, allowing users to identify waterborne pathogens such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum.
Researchers found that 78% of consumers admit comparing the upgrade to the status quo is necessary, but fail to do so in decision-making. When explicitly reminded to compare features, the likelihood of upgrading decreases. The study suggests overcoming comparison neglect requires accurate marketing and awareness.
A new mobile application, DentaCom, captures and transmits images of dental emergencies to provide dentists with the information needed to make decisions. The app guides individuals through a series of questions, allowing them to complete a guided report and take photos within four minutes.
Researchers at NYIT will study new techniques for secure and energy-efficient smartphone authentication. They aim to reduce the battery drain on smartphones while protecting user identity and privacy.
A 24-week behavioral study found that combining fitness apps with social support and accountability helps teens maintain weight loss. However, when smartphones were the only tool, teens lost initial weight but couldn't sustain it.
Raychaudhuri's MobilityFirst project aims to rearchitect the internet with name-based routing, improving flexibility, security, and efficiency. The project has underway trials to deliver content closer to users, extend mobile services, and support targeted emergency messaging.
A recent study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that self-taught typists can type almost as quickly and accurately as touch typists, as long as they can see the keyboard. This challenges traditional typing techniques taught in schools, which may not be effective for nonstandard typists.
Researchers at WSU have created a low-cost, portable laboratory on a smartphone that can analyze several samples at once to detect cancer biomarkers with lab-quality results. The device has been up to 99% accurate and can be used in clinics and hospitals without on-site labs.
A new study suggests that parents' excessive use of smartphones around young children can lead to internal tension, conflicts, and negative interactions. The study's findings highlight the need for parents to set boundaries and prioritize family time to maintain emotional well-being.
A smartphone app combined with a hand-held ECG monitor can detect atrial fibrillation with a high degree of accuracy. The condition affects nearly one in 10 people and is associated with a heightened risk of stroke and death.
The LudusScope, a 3D printed smartphone microscope, enables kids to play games and make serious observations with miniature light-seeking microbes called Euglena. The device allows students to build their own instrument and collect data on Euglena behavior, swimming speed, and natural biological variability.
Researchers at Penn State and EPFL developed an AI model to recognize specific plant diseases from images, achieving an accuracy rate of 99.35% in a public dataset. The technology has great potential for supplementing existing disease diagnosis methods and could be implemented on smartphones, especially in developing countries.
A new study found that a user-centric control interface significantly improves performance of drone pilots, resolving some of the user control issues undermining drone safety. The findings suggest that current remote control methods can lead to hazards and accidents.
A mass participation study involving over 9000 UK participants found a correlation between sunny days, rainfall, and pain levels. The study suggests that understanding how weather influences pain could lead to new treatments.
Researchers developed HemaApp to estimate hemoglobin concentrations and screen for anemia, with a 69-82% correlation to CBC tests. The mobile app uses a smartphone camera and external light sources to analyze finger colors and detect blood components.
A University at Buffalo study reveals smartphones can steal sensitive data from 3D printers by measuring electromagnetic energy and acoustic waves. Researchers replicated printing objects with a high accuracy rate using smartphone sensors, highlighting the security risks of 3D printing industries.
A recent study found that MirrorLink, a system allowing vehicles to communicate with smartphones, has significant security vulnerabilities. Hackers can exploit these weaknesses to control safety-critical vehicle components, posing a risk to driver safety and security.
A study by Heather Shaw found that Android users are perceived as more honest and humble, but this was not reflected in reality. In contrast, women are twice as likely to own an iPhone, while iPhone users prioritize high-status phones.
A new low-cost application has been developed to detect atrial fibrillation using a smartphone's accelerometer and gyroscope. The algorithm achieved sensitivity and specificity rates of over 95%, making it a promising tool for widespread screening and early detection.
Researchers at University of Washington have introduced a new way to communicate that allows devices like brain implants, contact lenses, and credit cards to talk to everyday devices. The new technique, called interscatter communication, works by converting Bluetooth signals into Wi-Fi transmissions over the air.