Articles tagged with Smartphones
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.
The SmartGPA app uses machine learning algorithms to infer student behaviors and predict GPA, showing significant correlations between study habits and academic performance. The results reveal key behavioral patterns associated with high and low performers, providing new insights for improving students' academic performance.
A new tool called Kahawai reduces data usage while delivering graphics and gameplay similar to conventional cloud-gaming setups. The approach uses collaborative rendering to lighten the load, allowing mobile devices to generate rough sketches of frames while remote servers fill in the gaps.
A study by Kent State researchers found that using smartphones for texting, talking, or listening to music during exercise can negatively impact physical performance. Conversely, exercising with a phone without using it for communication or entertainment increased treadmill speed, heart rate, and enjoyment.
Researchers developed a mobile app that transforms digital sketches into walking routes, allowing users to share unique experiences with friends. The app aims to encourage reflection and communication, rather than competition or efficiency, and explores how GIS mapping technology shapes our experience of walking.
Researchers found that mobile shoppers tend to purchase items they've purchased before or from familiar brands, due to limited smartphone screen size. Low spenders also shop more frequently after adopting mobile shopping, leading to larger orders.
A team of University of Houston researchers has developed a lens that turns smartphones into microscopes, achieving 120x magnification at an affordable cost. The lens uses a polydimethylsiloxane material and can be attached directly to the smartphone camera, making it ideal for educational purposes.
Researchers developed a smartphone attachment that can image and size single DNA molecules 50,000 times thinner than a human hair. The device is intended for use in remote laboratory settings to diagnose various types of cancers and nervous system disorders.
Researchers have developed an inexpensive alternative to touchscreens, called Acoustruments, which can be added to any device. These mechanisms use pluggable plastic tubes and structures to connect the smartphone's speaker with its microphone, allowing users to control devices using acoustically altered sounds.
While some health apps have shown promise in improving weight loss and physical activity, others have yielded conflicting results. Iltifat Husain argues that doctors should recommend tested and validated apps to help people stay healthy. Des Spence cautions that many health apps are untested and may even cause anxiety and medical harm.
Researchers found that smartphones' GPS receivers can detect permanent ground movement caused by fault motion during large earthquakes. Crowd-sourced smartphone data can be used to build earthquake warning systems, providing early warnings to people in affected areas before strong shaking begins.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a smartphone-based device that uses hyperspectral imaging to identify the chemical composition of objects. The technology has potential applications in fields such as agriculture, biotechnology, and homeland security.
A new study found that apps with ads consume more energy, slow down phones, and use up to 100% more data than those without ads, leading to lower user ratings. The research compared 21 top apps from the past year and measured their impact on phones using analysis tools.
Researchers found that combining different photos of a user leads to better recognition on Samsung Galaxy phones, often to perfect levels. Storing an 'average' image formed by morphing together several photos can greatly improve performance.
A new mobile phone app, LifeRhythm, detects depression symptoms by analyzing user behavior such as activity levels and social interactions. The technology has the potential to revolutionize depression diagnosis, providing an objective and automated screening method.
Researchers used crowdsourced measurements to study energy impact of smartphone system settings. The study found that certain settings, such as Wi-Fi signal strength and temperature, can significantly affect battery life.
A Carnegie Mellon University study found that when smartphone users learn the frequency of app location sharing, they quickly limit further sharing. Participants who received daily 'privacy nudges' detailing their app's access to sensitive information restricted permissions more than those who used an app permission manager.
Research suggests that too much artificial light in the evening can disrupt the body's circadian rhythm and lead to health problems such as breast cancer, obesity, diabetes, and depression. Experts recommend using devices with dimmer, longer wavelengths of light in the evening to minimize disruption.
Research suggests that smartphone users who rely on gut feelings tend to use their device's search engine rather than their own brainpower. Highly analytical thinkers spend less time using smartphones, indicating a possible link between heavy smartphone use and lowered intelligence.
Researchers will test electrically-small biomimetic antenna arrays inspired by insect ear systems to increase data rate and reduce size of mobile devices. The project aims to develop signaling techniques suitable for full potential of MIMO antennas, enabling faster communication speeds.
A recent Finnish-Swiss-Belgian study finds that technology changes the teacher's role from a traditional knowledge provider into a facilitator guiding students' learning processes and engaging in joint problem-solving. Technology offers new types of learning possibilities, including interactive learning and teaching opportunities.