Articles tagged with Smartphones
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.
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.
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.
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...
Researchers have developed small, portable sensors that can track ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide levels in the air. These sensors, part of the CitiSense system, allow users to monitor their local air quality on their smartphones, providing valuable insights into pollution patterns.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and the University of Oregon have found a way to use cloud-based Web browsers for large-scale computing tasks anonymously. This exploitation has potential ramifications for the security of cloud browser services.
A recent study found that tobacco companies are using smartphone apps to promote their products, including explicit images and smoking simulations, which is a violation of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The apps have been downloaded by millions of people, including teenagers and children.
The UC Davis smartphone application, React Labs: Educate, allows instant live polling for the first time on a large scale. Over 12,000 students nationwide will field test the app during the three scheduled debates, enabling real-time reaction to presidential candidates.
A Mayo Clinic study confirms the effectiveness of smartphone teleradiology applications in evaluating stroke patients in remote settings. The study shows high agreement (92-100%) among reviewers on critical radiological features, paving the way for telemedicine expansion.
Scientists have developed a revolutionary new lens that is flat and distortion-free, allowing for the creation of ultra-thin devices such as smartphones. The lens uses metallic stripes to focus light and correct distortions, enabling sharper images without the need for complex solutions or multiple lenses.
A new tool allows people to monitor their lung function at home or on the go by blowing into their smartphones. The app, SpiroSmart, uses a phone's microphone to analyze sound wave frequencies and detect lung problems with accuracy within 5 percent of commercial devices.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a system that converts speech input into passwords, reducing the risk of fraudsters obtaining voice biometric data. The system uses different mathematical functions to generate hundreds of alphanumeric strings, providing an additional level of security.
The software can locate and track targets of known size, such as enemy positions in combat, and those of unknown size, like rare animals without disturbance. It also tracks moving targets with speed and direction calculations.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems developed a mobile app that integrates real-time traffic data into regional public transportation. The system provides personalized routing suggestions based on user preferences and displays bus schedules, routes, and nearby points of interest.
Researchers from Rice University unveiled a new multi-antenna technology dubbed Argos, which aims to dramatically increase network capacity by allowing cell towers to simultaneously beam signals to more than a dozen customers on the same frequency. The technology could result in a six-fold increase in network capacity and energy savings.
Researchers face challenges in porting applications across different mobile devices and platforms due to screen size and input/output differences. A new device-independent mobile application model aims to reduce software development costs and maximize profits.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a carbon-based memory transistor that can store and transfer energy, eliminating the need for capacitors. This technology aims to address RAM limitations and power consumption in mobile devices, enabling faster performance and longer battery life.
The First Responder Support Tools (FiRST) application provides critical information to first responders in bomb threat scenarios, including safe distances, roadblock analysis and HAZMAT response guidance. The app is available for smartphones and laptops and can be used by anyone responding to a potential bomb or HAZMAT spill.
Researchers propose using longer focal lengths (100mm) for mobile device photos and shorter lengths (50mm) for larger screens. The study found that people tend to view small pictures from closer distances, resulting in distorted images.
Researchers at Purdue University have proposed a method to detect 'no-sleep energy bugs' that can completely drain smartphone batteries. The bugs occur when apps continue to run background operations despite the phone being idle, consuming battery life.
A Michigan State University study reveals that easy online access and personal devices have made the digital divide disappear during vacations. People are using their phones to plan, check weather forecasts, and access local information, showing a significant shift in how travelers use technology on holiday.
Recent studies explore how technology is changing the questions asked by psychological scientists, with a focus on data collection from social media platforms like Facebook. Researchers are leveraging smartphone sensors to gather insights into human behavior and environments, offering new avenues for scientific inquiry.
A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found that only 15% of patients with low vision reported being recommended smartphones for their accessibility features. However, 24% of participants used smartphones, which can offer features like font size increase and GPS navigation to enhance quality of life.
Touché, a new sensing technique, monitors capacitive signals across a broad range of frequencies to detect complex touch events and recognize body configurations. This enables objects to sense how they are being touched, enhancing everyday interactions.
Researchers at Purdue University found that popular free apps spend up to 75% of their energy tracking user location, sending info to advertisers and downloading ads. A new tool called eprof analyzes app energy consumption, revealing a way to improve energy efficiency by reducing power drain in interactive programs.
A smart home uses sensors and software to anticipate household needs, improving health and energy efficiency. Washington State University's Diane Cook envisions a future where homes can monitor elderly residents' activities and alert caregivers.
A study found that smartphone-based data collection was more accurate than traditional paper methods, with fewer errors and faster turnaround times. The method also saved resources and reduced costs, making it a promising tool for disease surveillance in the developing world.
A Bluetooth-enabled medical monitoring device can track various physiological parameters and send data to healthcare providers via Bluetooth connectivity. The device can also be used as a gateway to relay patient health data to remote databases for remote diagnoses.
Researchers at University of Utah designed a new game controller that vibrates and stretches the thumb tips to simulate real-world sensations. The device delivers directional cues by stretching the skin of the thumb tips in different directions.
The NASA Space Weather App allows users to view Solar Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) minutes after an event occurs. The app provides real-time access to solar-event images, model simulations, data, and forecasts for Android smartphone and tablet users.
Researchers from Saarland University developed an internet service that enables seamless presentation sharing and display on multiple monitors. The technology allows for easy synchronization of visual content across devices, making it ideal for conferences, sports stadiums, and interactive displays.
The iHeal device detects physiological stressors associated with drug cravings, using sensors to measure physiological changes and body activity. The device delivers user-tailored behavioral interventions via smartphone software, aiming to prevent substance use and reduce health risk.