Articles tagged with Smartphones
A new study published in JAMA found that smartphone apps are as accurate as wearable devices in tracking physical activity. The research used 10 top-selling smartphone apps and devices to compare their accuracy, with results showing smartphones were only slightly off from the observed step counts.
A recent study found that smartphone applications and wearable devices are generally accurate in tracking step counts, with minimal variation between devices. However, some wearables reported higher or lower counts than observed, highlighting the need for device accuracy assessment.
Researchers aim to enhance speech signals and classify background noise using powerful smartphone processors and machine learning algorithms. The project has the potential to create a wide collection of smartphone apps for use with hearing aid devices.
Researchers developed a smartphone accessory that performs a lab-based blood test in just 15 minutes, detecting three infectious disease markers from a finger prick of blood. The device has a manufacturing cost of $34 and can be attached to any compatible smartphone for rapid diagnosis.
Teenagers who own smartphones spend more time online during the night, leading to an increased risk of poor sleep and depressive symptoms. Smartphone use at night is associated with a higher likelihood of sleep disturbances.
Researchers at Georgia Tech are investigating information leaks from laptops and smartphones, which can be used by hackers to spy on users even when not connected to the internet. They have developed a metric to measure the strength of these 'side-channel signals' and are studying where they originate to develop countermeasures.
Regular smartphone use reshapes brain activity in response to touchscreen interactions, with the thumb being particularly sensitive to changes. The study found that smartphone users' brains show enhanced electrical activity when all three fingertips are touched, and this activity is directly proportional to phone use intensity.
A new study found that only 18% of seniors with Type 2 diabetes use apps to manage their condition, despite interest in web and mobile applications. The study suggests that age-related confidence in technology use is a significant barrier to adoption.
Researchers have developed a new sensor that can detect gaseous ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and cyclohexanone wirelessly using a smartphone. The sensors, made from modified NFC tags, require almost no energy and can function at ambient temperatures.
Researchers at Kent State University found that college students who spent more time on their smartphones during leisure activities experienced decreased enjoyment and increased stress. The study suggests that excessive phone use can diminish the experience of daily leisure, leading to feelings of uptightness and anxiety.
Researchers are exploring software-defined cellular networking to provide next-generation mobile broadband with speeds of up to 10 Gbits/s. The proposed end-to-end architecture offers flexibility, scalability, agility, and efficiency, while overcoming bandwidth shortages and improving quality of service.
Researchers developed a method to securely display 3D images on smartphones by scanning QR codes without accessing the Internet. The system uses integral imaging and encryption to protect data, ensuring only authorized devices can access the content.
A new smartphone app developed by Rutgers engineers helps Warren Township document and mitigate hundreds of hazards to power lines, reducing the risk of future power outages. The app uses crowdsourcing to gather data from volunteers, which is then presented to utility companies in an organized manner.
A study by Seok Kang, a UTSA associate professor, analyzed the smartphone habits of over 1,600 college students from the US and South Korea. American students used their phones mainly for email, texting, and social media, while Korean students were more interested in entertainment and information gathering.
A new smartphone-based tool has been developed to monitor diabetic eye disease, offering comparable results to traditional equipment. The tool, called D-Eye, uses a small optical adapter that attaches magnetically to an iPhone and enables ophthalmologists to evaluate the severity of the disease.
A new algorithm developed by ETH Zurich researchers enables smartphones to understand hand gestures, allowing users to control their devices with ease. The program recognizes six different gestures and executes corresponding commands, such as switching between browser tabs or scrolling pages.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have extended the lifetime of blue organic light emitting diodes by a factor of 10, improving OLED efficiencies for smartphones and large-screen TVs. The new design spreads out light-producing energy to prevent damaging synergy, resulting in a tenfold increase in lifetime.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that people drink more alcohol on days when they exercise, particularly Thursdays to Sundays. The study used smartphone technology to record daily physical activity and alcohol use, and found uniform results across age groups.
University of Washington researchers create a system that uses reflected smartphone signals to recognize and respond to hand gestures, enabling users to interact with their phones beyond touchscreens. The technology has an accuracy rate of 87% and could improve battery life.
A Dartmouth smartphone app assesses users' mental health, academic performance and behavioral trends using passive sensor data, finding correlations between sleep, social activity, stress levels and GPA. The app could provide continuous mental health evaluation and intervene to boost academic performance.
A simple, disposable testing device analyzes a single droplet of blood to diagnose anemia, with results available in about 60 seconds. The device has shown promising sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional hematology analyzers.
Researchers at Arizona State University found that smartphone applications like 'Lose It' enhance dietary self-monitoring, leading to improved consistency and reduced missed entries. However, they did not significantly impact diet quality.
A recent study found that smartphone apps can help users track their dietary data more consistently and accurately than traditional methods. The research used a commercially available app, recording dietary intake using the memo function of smartphones, and paper and pencil for comparison.
A new system called DENDROID facilitates malware identification in smartphones by analyzing app structures and family relationships. This tool enables security analysts to classify unknown malware samples and track potential ancestors, enhancing their ability to detect and analyze complex threats.
The BiliCam app uses a smartphone's camera and flash to take a picture of a baby's belly, which is then analyzed by machine-learning algorithms to detect bilirubin levels. This non-invasive tool could replace current screening methods, especially in resource-poor areas where access to medical care is limited.
A Canadian team outlines possible coping mechanisms for lost or stolen mobile devices, highlighting the importance of user awareness and organization security measures. The researchers found that many users are either unaware or unwilling to use security countermeasures, leaving them vulnerable to data loss risks.
University of Washington engineers have designed a new communication system that uses radio frequency signals as a power source and reuses existing Wi-Fi infrastructure to provide Internet connectivity. This technology, called Wi-Fi backscatter, enables battery-free devices to connect to the internet, overcoming a major hurdle in the w...
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that crowdsourced ratings of food pictures by app users are comparable to those given by trained experts. This suggests that crowdsourcing may be a viable way to improve adherence to dietary self-monitoring and support weight loss.
A smartphone app study tracked daily activities and stool samples to analyze the impact of life events on gut microbiota. The results showed that specific events, such as moving abroad or getting food poisoning, significantly altered the composition of gut bacteria.
Researchers found that mobile display ads are effective for products with practical uses and high involvement, but less so for luxurious or low-involvement products. By understanding these nuances, marketers can optimize their advertising strategies and improve return on investment.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a way to visualize daily activity patterns over time, helping users understand their habits and make meaningful changes. The study found that participants who used this visualization tool had an easier time meeting personal fitness goals.
A study by Kansas State University researcher Sooyeol Kim found that employees who take short smartphone breaks throughout the day are happier at the end of the workday. Microbreaks, defined as non-working-related behaviors during working hours, can provide employees with refreshment and help them cope with stressors.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center developed a simple saliva test that uses a smartphone to quantify and interpret cortisol levels in five minutes. This new technology helps identify adrenal insufficiency, monitor cortisol replacement, and assess physiologic changes in adrenal function.
Researchers found 82% of common bacteria on participants' fingers also present on their smartphones. Women were more closely connected to their phones than men, with the most commonly found bacteria including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Corynebacterium.
Researchers have developed a device that uses smartphones to measure cortisol levels in saliva, providing an inexpensive alternative to current lab-based tests. The new technology is expected to cost less than $5 and take less than 10 minutes to administer.
Researchers developed a smart glass micro-iris that controls light entry with minimal power consumption, overcoming traditional mechanical blade limitations in camera-integrated devices. The device demonstrates improved depth of focus and optical contrast, paving the way for next-generation smartphone cameras.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that non-academic Internet use in class leads to lower exam scores for all students, not just those with lower intellectual abilities. The study suggests that the engaging nature of internet use can be a significant distraction and negatively impact academic performance.
A US study suggests that smartphone apps pose a higher risk of gonorrhoea and chlamydia among gay men, who are more likely to engage in unprotected sex with anonymous partners. The study found that app users were 23% more likely to be infected with gonorrhoea and 35% more likely to be infected with chlamydia.
Researchers at the University of Akron have developed a shatterproof screen technology using a transparent electrode that is tough, flexible and cost-effective. The new film can withstand repeated scotch tape peeling and bending tests, offering a potential replacement for traditional touchscreen displays.
The Net Children Go Mobile Project found that 46% of children own a smartphone and 41% use it daily, leading to increased digital skills but also online risks such as cyberbullying and exposure to sexual content. However, mobile internet access does not create vulnerability, and younger users are more likely to be affected by these risks.
A new study finds that too many product photos can lead to visual homogenization, reducing the ability to discern one product from another. Taking a mental break and returning to the shopping cart for a final decision may be an effective way to overcome this effect.
A smartphone app has shown promise in detecting early signs of mood changes in people with bipolar disorder through voice analysis during everyday phone conversations. The app, called PRIORI, analyzes broad features and properties of speech to identify potential mood swings.
Cognitive radio technology could make wireless communications 10 times faster by identifying and using unused radio spectrum, reducing congestion and energy waste. Researchers at the University at Buffalo are developing this technology with a $2.72 million Air Force grant.
Scientists developed a high-resolution sensor that can be painted onto surfaces or built into gloves to measure pressure. The sensor changes color from deep blue to ruby red under stress, providing higher contrast and resolution.
Research by University of Illinois engineers reveals that smartphone sensors can be used to identify individual devices, raising concerns about user tracking and security. The study found that imperfections in the manufacturing process create unique fingerprints on each sensor, which can be used to track a device's activities.
Researchers from Australian National University developed a simple and cheap way to make high-powered lenses that can transform smartphones into high-resolution microscopes. The lenses are made by using the natural shape of liquid droplets, promising revolution in science and medicine in developing countries and remote areas.
Researchers have developed a navigation map system based on ant colony behavior to aid evacuees in disaster zones. The system utilizes smartphones as networked sensors to provide real-time updates, enabling users to navigate safely through damaged areas.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of tiny particle that can be used to authenticate currency, electronic parts, and luxury goods. The particles contain colored stripes of nanocrystals that glow brightly when lit up with near-infrared light.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new prototype battery that can fully charge a smartphone in under a minute, using nanodots derived from bio-organic materials. The technology increases electrode capacity and electrolyte performance, making it more efficient and eco-friendly than current battery technologies.
A recent study by Syracuse University researchers found that popular smartphone activities can leave devices vulnerable to 'computer worms.' These worms, which can steal personal info and spread to friends' contacts, target HTML5-based apps. The team identified 14 vulnerable apps across Android, iOS, and Blackberry.
A study by University of Helsinki researchers found that smartphone malware infection rates are significantly higher than previously estimated at around 0.25%. The team collected anonymized data from over 50,000 devices during a seven-month period and developed a technique to identify devices infected with previously unknown malware.
A new smartphone application appears to help patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) reduce risky drinking days and promote abstinence. The Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS) app provides audio-guided relaxation and alerts when a patient nears a high-risk location, leading to a significant decrease in ...
University of Houston researchers create a system to diagnose diseases in real time using smartphones and $20 lens attachments. The device uses gold nanoholes to detect chemical interactions between disease-causing agents and antibodies, providing quick and affordable readouts.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed software to detect malicious apps in app stores, identifying potential security threats. The software analyzes code access patterns to flag suspicious behavior, with over 3,000 apps already tested.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed two inexpensive adapters that allow smartphones to capture high-quality images of the front and back of the eye. The adapters make it easy for anyone with minimal training to take a picture of the eye and share it securely with other health practitioners or store it i...
Researchers found that smartphone owners made fewer errors on the mobile voting system than traditional voting methods. The study suggests incorporating smartphone-based voting systems into the current process could improve efficiency and usability.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, battery-free gesture recognition system called AllSee, which uses existing TV signals as both power and detection means. The technology enables seamless interaction with electronic devices hidden from sight using simple hand movements.
The 'One Love My Plan' smartphone application provides college-age women in abusive relationships with personalized safety plans and confidential resources. The app, developed by University of Missouri researchers, aims to connect young women with existing services and provide immediate strategies for helping themselves or friends.
Researchers have developed a smartphone-based system that can locate buried avalanche victims using satellite navigation, promising faster and more precise rescue operations. The Galileo-LawinenFon system uses the combined signals of GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS satellite systems to pinpoint accident victims in seconds.
A Michigan State University study found that nighttime smartphone usage for work purposes leads to decreased productivity and increased fatigue the next day. The research suggests that smartphones' blue light emission disrupts melatonin production, hindering sleep recovery.