Articles tagged with Smartphones
Engineers at the University of Missouri have developed a method to transfer energy sources to virtually any shape using an efficient laser-writing technique. This technique enables the fabrication of microbatteries and micro fuel cells that are more environmentally friendly, highly designable, and thin.
A study by psychologists Henry Wilmer and Jason Chein found that people who constantly check their phones exhibit poor impulse control and a tendency to devalue delayed rewards. This suggests that frequent smartphone use is associated with impatience and impulsivity.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that smartphones can detect 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 60% of melanomas, improving diagnosis in remote areas. A DIY smartphone microscope can be made with a ball lens and tape, and additional studies are needed to enhance detection rates.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a sonar technology called FingerIO that allows users to interact with mobile devices by writing or gesturing on any nearby surface. The device uses sound waves to track fine-grained finger movements, achieving accuracy of up to 8mm.
A study found that widely used smartphone conversational agents fail to recognize and respond appropriately to sensitive topics like rape, depression, and physical abuse. The authors recommend improving the performance of conversational agents to better support users in need.
A recent study by Appthority reveals that over 88% of Android apps secretly spy on user data. Researchers from Saarland University developed an app called TaintArtist to track and monitor suspicious app behavior, providing users with a sense of security.
A Rutgers study found that free-form gesture passwords are easier to use and remember than traditional text passwords, keeping devices more secure. Participants spent 22% less time logging in and 42% less time creating passwords with gesture passwords.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed new augmented creativity apps that combine virtual elements with real-life environments, enhancing children's creativity and social skills. The interactive colouring book and collaborative games in 3D showcase the potential of augmented reality to transform public spaces into engaging experiences.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a miniaturized solid oxide fuel cell that can power drones for more than an hour. The fuel cell's high power density and durability make it suitable for portable electronic devices, including smartphones and laptops.
A study found that an instant blood pressure app underestimated higher BPs and overestimated lower BPs, raising concerns about its accuracy. The app's inaccuracy may lead to false reassurance for individuals with hypertensive BP levels.
A study of 85 volunteers found that a widely used smartphone app misleads users about their blood pressure. The app gave accurate readings to only 20% of participants with high blood pressure.
UCI researchers demonstrate that machine sounds can carry information about precise movements of a printer's nozzle, enabling the reverse engineering of objects being printed. This new kind of cyberattack presents significant security risks for companies, particularly during prototyping phases.
A Georgia Tech study found that mobile ads can reveal sensitive user information, including gender, parental status, and income, due to leakage between ad networks and app developers. Researchers tested 200 participants and discovered that 73% of ad impressions were correctly aligned with demographic profiles.
Researchers achieved Wi-Fi transmissions using 10,000 times less power than conventional methods, consuming only tens of microwatts of power. This breakthrough enables the 'Internet of Things' reality where household devices and wearable sensors can communicate using Wi-Fi without worrying about power.
Researchers at Sun Yan-Sen University developed a new display with comfortable 3D visual effects using the super multi-view technique, reducing vergence-accommodation conflict and viewer discomfort. The device is thin, around 65 millimeters, making it suitable for portable devices.
A new detection system for Android could protect smartphones from malicious content, finding that even reputable apps can lead users to websites hosting malicious ads. The team tested one million apps and found that ads asking users to download a program are the most dangerous, containing malicious software about 50% of the time.
Research found that riders in crowded subway trains are about twice as likely to respond to mobile ads by making a purchase. The study examined responses to mobile ads of riders who took the subway in a large city and found that purchase rates increased significantly when there were more people per square meter.
Researchers at Queen's University developed ReFlex, the world's first full-color wireless flexible smartphone, combining multitouch with haptic bend input. Users can experience tactile feedback and physical sensations while interacting with apps through bend gestures.
The MyShake Android app uses smartphone accelerometers to detect earthquakes, analyzing data from millions of phones to create a dense seismic network. The goal is to provide early warning systems for areas without traditional networks.
A smartphone app developed by Cambridge researchers maps Swiss-German dialects through crowdsourcing, gathering data on dialect spread and changes over time. The app has been downloaded over 90,000 times and reveals that younger generations are adopting more geographically widespread variants of the language.
Smartphone sensors can measure various physical quantities such as ultraviolet index, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and air quality. A smart home system has been developed using mobile phones to detect CO2, temperature, humidity, and other parameters.
A smartphone app containing motivational videos transformed the interaction between married rural women and community health workers in India, leading to a significant increase in modern family planning method use. The study found that women who watched videos were 4.5 times more likely to use modern contraceptives than those who did not.
A pilot study found that using smartphone reminders can significantly decrease daily sedentary time and increase active time. Participants who received prompts had an average of 25 minutes less of sedentary time per day compared to those without reminders.
A research team developed an app that hides user location from third parties, providing security for individuals who share personal info online. The app, yet to be released, uses privacy-preserving technology to protect users' location information from being accessed by services like Facebook and Twitter.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a way to train smartphone activity trackers to spot fake activity, increasing accuracy from 38% to 84%. The system learns to recognize patterns of cheating, such as shaking the phone while lounging on the couch, and can generalize it across individuals.
Researchers at Brown University have developed an algorithm that allows off-the-shelf cameras to capture high-quality 3D images without synchronized projector and camera hardware. The technique uses a structured light flash and can assemble images pixel by pixel to create accurate 3D models.
A new study published in EPJ Data Science found that exercising and spending time outside the home reduces participants' stress levels, while reduced working hours have a minimal effect. The research used data from the StudentLife project at Dartmouth College to validate this approach, which has great promise for future studies.
Two-year-olds demonstrate impressive touch-screen skills, able to swipe, unlock, and search for features. Researchers suggest this technology may aid in childhood development assessment and early intervention.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge developed a new smartphone-based system called SegNet, which can identify objects in road scenes in real-time, even without GPS. The system has been successfully tested on city roads and motorways, and could potentially be used as a warning system for driverless cars.
Researchers have developed a rolling DNA-based motor that's 1,000 times faster than any other synthetic DNA motor, offering potential for real-world applications in disease diagnostics. The new motor uses a burnt-bridge mechanism to guide its movement, allowing it to travel one centimeter in seven days.
A research team at Northeastern University has developed a system called ReCon to detect and stop information leaks from smartphone apps. The study found that users' personal identifying information, including passwords, was leaked into network traffic from popular fitness and language apps.
A new portable device called HeartBuds detects sounds inside the body as well as traditional stethoscopes, while also being more sanitary. The technology has been shown to perform just as well as expensive stethoscope models in detecting heart murmurs and carotid bruits.
Experts at RMIT University have created a reliable method of detecting nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a significant air pollutant responsible for over seven million deaths worldwide. The new sensor is designed to be highly selective, sensitive, and affordable, aiming to improve public health by providing early detection of harmful NO2 levels.
A team of engineers has developed a simple technique for diagnosing and monitoring sickle cell disease using magnetic levitation and a smartphone. The test is quick, inexpensive, and can be performed in regions with limited medical resources.
A national survey of 1,604 adult smartphone users found that 58% had downloaded a health-related mobile application, with 65% reporting improved health. However, concerns about cost, disinterest, and privacy barriers hinder wider adoption. More research is needed to maximize the impact of health apps on overall health.
Researchers at Disney Research have developed an automated method called AutoConnect that can design custom connectors for 3D-printable objects. The tool allows users to input the dimensions and weight of two objects, as well as how they should be aligned when connected.
University of Utah engineers develop a new color filter that lets in three times more light than conventional filters, resulting in cleaner and more accurate pictures taken in lowlight. The filter can be used for smartphone cameras and industrial applications.
UC Davis researchers develop ultra-low-power sensors with near-zero power consumption, targeting continuous and passive monitoring of environments. The goal is to extend sensor lifetime from months to years, enabling always-on sensing without significant power drain.
A new study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that a smartphone app can help adolescents and young adults with spina bifida improve their daily self-management skills. The app, called iMHere, includes mobile reminders and messaging with healthcare providers.
Researchers found that voice-command technology is highly distracting, causing drivers to lose focus for extended periods. The studies also revealed that older drivers are more distracted than younger ones when using voice commands.
A new study presents a portable smartphone-based detection system using a paper sensor that produces strong signals to detect pesticide thiram. The system integrates nanoparticles, a mini-laser, an optical filter, and software that runs on Android, giving reliable and accurate detection readings at low concentrations.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a dual frequency wireless charging platform that can charge multiple devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, and tablets, simultaneously using different wireless standards. The new technology addresses the issue of incompatibility between competing wireless standards, enabling univer...
A survey of UK healthcare professionals found that most doctors and nurses use their own smartphones for patient care, with over 92% of doctors and 53% of nurses deeming them 'very useful' or 'useful'. However, the lack of digital security measures and data encryption raises concerns about potential privacy breaches.
Researchers developed a smartphone application to collect data on food handlers' behaviors, minimizing the Hawthorne Effect. The app allows for discreet observation and recording of aspects such as hand hygiene and temperature control, improving the quality of food safety observations.
UCSB computer scientists create natural models of user behavior using anonymized clickstream data from popular apps and social media sites. They aim to identify abnormal behaviors that could indicate security risks.
A recent study found that some health apps, despite being clinically-accredited, were transmitting unencrypted personal and health information, compromising user privacy. The study reviewed 79 apps listed on the UK NHS Health Apps Library and found 23 sent identifying info over the internet without encryption.
Researchers developed an Android sleep monitoring app widget, SleepTight, that boosted daily sleep diary information entry and self-reflection among users. The widget's visual reminders and lock screen placement increased user interaction with the data, leading to better understanding of sleep patterns and behavior.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have identified easy-to-use techniques to configure IoT devices, making them more secure. Two interaction techniques were found to be noticeably more usable than others, including audio cable and Wi-Fi-only interactions.
The new vegetationmap4africa version provides a smartphone application and website to help users identify tree species and their uses. It aids in agroforestry and landscape restoration by providing information on suitable tree species for specific goods and services, as well as tools for regenerating degraded land.
Research at Michigan State University suggests that using smartphones to alleviate depression can have negative effects. Lead authors argue that face-to-face interaction is a more effective antidote to problematic mobile phone use.
A study by University of Connecticut researchers found that people's spiritual awareness varies throughout the day, with higher levels in the morning and during engaging activities. Spiritual awareness was lower during work-related tasks and watching TV.
Researchers developed a model that predicts personalized daily forecasts for each student, enabling early identification of at-risk individuals and encouraging them to stay home. The study used wearable devices and smartphone apps to collect data on students' interactions and health habits.
The American Heart Association's scientific statement found that mobile health technologies can be effective for managing weight, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking. However, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness for other health conditions.
Researchers verified the accuracy of PoopMD, a free smartphone app that reads stool color to detect biliary atresia, a rare pediatric liver disease. The app correctly identified 27 normal stools and all acholic stool samples, providing reassurance for parents.
The MoveSense app uses a smartphone's sensor data to continuously monitor oxygen saturation levels, enabling accurate tracking of cardiopulmonary fitness. The app can predict patient stability and alert doctors to potential health issues, providing a new tool for managing chronic diseases.
A Rice University study found that smartphone users believed smartphones would improve their academic performance but ultimately reported detrimental effects on their ability to learn. The study suggests that providing access to smartphones without specific directed learning activities can be counterproductive to the learning process.
A new smartphone app, Alcohol Tracker, warns users if they exceed recommended daily/weekly alcohol units. The app provides built-in psychological therapies and helpline links to help users manage their drinking.
Researchers developed a smartphone sensor using surface plasmon resonance to detect biomolecules, including those for pregnancy testing and diabetes monitoring. The sensor is tiny, affordable, and comparable in sensitivity to current equipment.
Researchers developed mobile applications to aid in everyday care for patients with epilepsy. These apps include seizure diaries, medication trackers, and alarm systems that detect epileptic seizures. Continuous EEG monitoring could also be made possible through special sensors integrated into smartphones.
A new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor measures 3D images of a finger's surface and tissue, making biometric solutions more robust and secure. The technology, developed by the University of California, Davis, has potential applications in medical diagnostics and personal health monitoring.