Articles tagged with Smartphones
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.
A University at Buffalo research paper found that nanodevices in microcircuits can protect themselves from heat generation, preserving device function. This discovery could allow for more powerful smartphones and laptops without overheating issues.
A new smartphone device employing advanced camera technology can now accurately read a user's cholesterol level in under a minute. The Smartphone Cholesterol Application for Rapid Diagnostics, or smartCARD, uses color analysis to discern results from a drop of blood, sweat or saliva.
Researchers use existing IT infrastructure to monitor office occupancy and adjust temperature controls, reducing energy waste. The approach involves analyzing network addresses and device activity to estimate user locations, enabling more efficient heating and cooling systems.
ETH-scientists develop software to scan 3D models using smartphone technology, allowing users to capture objects easily and efficiently. The app uses inertial sensors and graphics processing power to enable faster reconstruction and increased interactivity.
Researchers have developed a flexible, rechargeable battery woven into fabric that can power wearable electronics. The innovation could enable athletes to monitor vital signs and allow for more aesthetic possibilities, such as lighting up patterns on clothing.
A recent study found that many popular anti-smoking smartphone apps lack basic strategies known to help smokers quit, including counseling and medication guidance. The researchers recommend using these apps with caution and instead suggest calling a quit-line for proven help on beating tobacco addiction.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki have developed a method to extract information about vehicular movement patterns from smartphone accelerometer measurements. The technique can detect most common public transportation types with over 80% accuracy, making it suitable for daily monitoring and fine-grained modeling of human tran...
A new algorithm developed at Northwestern University can accurately track physical activity no matter where a patient carries their phone. The study's findings are crucial for improving the health of patients with Parkinson's disease, who may carry their phones in different locations throughout the day.
According to the USC CTM report, Americans' media consumption has increased significantly between 2008 and 2015, with average daily consumption expected to reach 15.5 hours by 2015. The total amount of data delivered will exceed 8.75 zettabytes annually, representing a year-over-year growth rate of 25%.
A new study finds that women are more sensitive to mobile phone use during business meetings than men, with significant regional and age differences. The research highlights the importance of understanding social expectations around polite smartphone behavior in the workplace.
Researchers investigate how aging affects smartphone use, including texting and emailing, to improve accessibility and usability. The study aims to inform the design of smartphones for older users, enabling them to maintain independence and social connections.
A tiny MEMS accelerometer chip used in smartphones can detect moderate to strong earthquakes when located near the epicenter. The technology has the potential to increase coverage and accuracy in monitoring strong motion during earthquakes, making it possible to create an urban seismic network that transmits real-time ground motion data.
Scientists have developed a portable imaging system that harnesses smartphones to detect individual viruses and determine viral load. This breakthrough enables remote diagnosis and treatment monitoring in resource-limited locations.
Researchers develop a technique using smartphones to capture high-quality fundus images, aiding in the diagnosis of eye diseases. The method uses inexpensive apps and readily available instruments, making it accessible for smaller practices and third-world countries.
Researchers have created a transparent, elastic OLED that can be repeatedly stretched, folded and twisted at room temperature while still retaining its original shape. The new material has potential applications in smartphones, clothing, lighting, medical tools and more.
Mobile devices could increase access to pulse oximetry, a crucial tool for monitoring blood oxygen levels, by providing an affordable and effective alternative to traditional equipment. This technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes, particularly in resource-poor settings where timely intervention can be life-saving.
A new study has found that a smartphone app can quickly screen for cognitive dysfunction often found in patients with cirrhosis. The app, called EncephalApp_Stroop, is a valid method for screening minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and may improve treatment rates in potential patients.
UCLA researchers have created a portable smartphone attachment that can detect single viruses, bacteria, and nanoparticles using a cellphone-based imaging platform. The device weighs less than half a pound and can be used for sensitive detection of sub-wavelength objects in field settings.
The smart phone app uses data from over 100,000 heart attack patients to calculate the risk of repeat attacks within three years. This enables clinicians to tailor treatments to individual patients, reducing the risk of side effects and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Kansas State University and Avatekh Inc. are developing advanced nonlinear algorithms and circuits called adaptive nonlinear differential limiters (ANDLs) to reduce electronic noise and interference in industrial and consumer products. The technology may improve smartphone performance, battery life, and operating range.
A team at UC Riverside developed a novel way to build resistive memory devices that can store terabytes of data, replacing current flash memory. The new technology uses zinc oxide nano-islands on silicon, eliminating the need for a separate selector device.
Researchers used smartphone batteries to crowdsource weather information, estimating daily average temperatures for eight major cities with an accuracy of 1.5 degrees Celsius. This technique could lead to continuously updated weather predictions at a city block resolution, improving the accuracy and specificity of current weather forec...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created a novel printing process to produce micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) components from a highly flexible and non-toxic organic polymer. This innovation enables the creation of biocompatible MEMS for medical devices, such as bionic arms and smart prosthetics.
A new smartphone app developed by Pakistani researchers can help sufferers of night blindness navigate safely in low-light conditions. The app uses GPS to track the user's location and estimate remaining daylight hours, allowing them to plan safe routes and avoid being caught out at night.
A study by Russell W. Belk finds that consumers are losing inhibitions and sharing personal thoughts, photos, and opinions online without limits. This 'online disinhibition effect' can lead to regrettable posts, affecting school, job, and relationship prospects.
A magnetic pen for smartphones, called the MagPen, can be used on both mobile devices and tablet computers with magnetometers embedded in them. The technology enhances expressiveness of stylus pens without requiring additional hardware.
Researchers developed a system that transmits text, games or information to smartphones via an audio signal using the venue's regular sound system. The smartphones form an ad hoc microphone network, sharing data among participants.
Cornell University engineers have developed a new smartphone-based system for in-the-field detection of Kaposi's sarcoma and other conditions, utilizing a plug-in optical sensor and disposable microfluidic chips. This novel technique provides a quick method to quantify viral DNA levels, requiring minimal training and expertise.
A new smartphone application has been shown to significantly improve colonoscopy preparation by providing personalized guidance and reminders for patients. The study found that 84% of individuals who used the app received a good score on the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, compared to 56% of those who did not use the app.
Researchers developed a smart phone app to help users lose weight by carefully recording their food consumption. The app, tested with 12 overweight participants over four weeks, resulted in an average weight loss of 1.5kg. By monitoring food intake and mindful eating habits, the app aims to reduce excess calorie consumption.
Researchers at Queen's University have developed a new smartphone called MorePhone that can visually signal incoming notifications, reducing the likelihood of missed messages. The device uses a thin, flexible display and shape memory alloy wires to create visual cues, such as bending corners to convey different types of messages.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a low-cost smartphone system that can track gunfire with remarkable accuracy, using unique sonic signatures produced by firearms. The system consists of an external sensor module and smartphones, working together to triangulate the origin of shots.
Researchers at UC Davis found major security issues in popular Android apps like Handcent SMS, WeChat, and Weibo, which can be exploited by malicious code. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to access personal data and forge fake messages.
A new smartphone app, My Meal Mate, has been shown to be effective in helping users track their food intake and exercise for weight loss. The app resulted in an average weight loss of 4.6kg (10lbs) over six months, compared to 2.9kg (6.5lbs) and 1.3kg (3lbs) with a paper-based diary and online diary, respectively.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg's Secure Networks & Trusted Technology (SnT) facility have received a Google Faculty Research Award to develop automated application analysis software. The software aims to identify malicious behavior in Android apps, such as unauthorized data access or communication patterns.
Computer scientists from Saarbrücken have developed a new method to scan and monitor Android apps for security-critical functions, allowing users to revoke or grant privileges. The method, known as SRT Appguard, provides real-time policy enforcement for third-party applications and protects user privacy.
A new model predicts when consumers use media and even when they use two or more at a time, leading to improved ad buying accuracy. The study finds that people spend about 35% of their time consuming media, with TV being the most popular outlet.
A new processor chip developed at MIT can convert amateur smartphone photos into professional-looking images in a fraction of a second. The chip uses a bilateral grid method to organize and store data, allowing it to avoid blurring across edges while enhancing lighting in dark scenes.
Researchers are using smartphone pressure sensors to develop better weather forecasting techniques, which could significantly improve short-term forecasts. The PressureNet app collects data from Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy S3 and Nexus 4 smartphones, and Motorola Xoom tablets.
A study found that smartphone apps incorrectly diagnose 30% or more melanomas as 'unconcerning', potentially delaying doctor visits and life-saving treatment. The apps often lack regulatory oversight and are marketed to nonclinical users, increasing the risk of harm to the uninsured or economically disadvantaged.
A study found that four smartphone applications assessing melanoma risk had varying levels of accuracy, ranging from 6.8% to 98.1% sensitivity and 30.4% to 93.7% specificity. Many apps incorrectly classified most melanomas as non-concerning.
Research at Michigan State University found that even brief interruptions can significantly impact accuracy on complex tasks. The study, which involved 300 participants and a sequence-based procedure, discovered that interruptions lasting just three seconds doubled the error rate. This finding has significant implications for professio...