Advances in technology are more prevalent and lucrative than ever. Phones that implement technology to support VR, new design and the scope to be more than ‘just a phone’ are increasingly in demand. So, what does future phone technology look like? Sensors may be the key to finding out.
What Is A Proximity Sensor?
A proximity sensor is a sensor used to detect the presence of nearby objects. There are various kinds available online to suit the many possible applications. RS Components hosts several proximity sensors. Robust, reliable and incredibly powerful, they have been used in various industrial businesses for years.
Before, they were most commonly found in compressors, large turbines, and machines that relied on sleeve-style bearings. These sensors could detect any variation in movement between mechanical parts, often highlighting the need for repair.
Now, these types of sensor are mostly known for their use in mobile phones. The technology industry is embracing the use of sensors to innovate how and why we use mobile telephones.
Apple
Sensors aren’t technically a new feature for the IPhone. They have been used to activate and deactivate ‘sleep mode’ for some time, detecting if there is an object within close range. As an example, when the user is making a phone call, the handset automatically puts the screen into sleep mode, and this is due to a sensor detecting the user’s ear.
However, in August 2017, Apple filed a patent that described how they were planning to use the phone’s pre-existing sensors to measure new types of information for health benefits.
They claim that the use of proximity sensors, in conjunction with light sensors and the camera can collect data that will be used to determine the health of the user. This will feed into their ongoing campaign for the Apple Watch, which has proven to monitor the user and encourage an improved, healthier lifestyle.
Bosch
Missing cars keys could be one of life’s more irksome obstacles. By using your smartphone as the key, Bosch hopes to stop you having to hunt the missing keys ever again.
President of Bosch’s Automotive Electronics Division, Harold Kroger, spoke about the innovative system online.
“Perfectly Keyless, our digital vehicle access system, means that drivers will be able to do without traditional car keys. It’s a great example of stress-free connected mobility.”
With the vehicle identifying the driver’s smartphone via on-board proximity sensors, there’s no longer any need for a key. If you’re concerned that you may be just as likely to lose your phone as you would a key, the whole system can be deactivated online.
This use of sensors highlights how by continuously developing technologies already in use, we can start to put bigger value on day-to-day objects. First a telephone, then a key, what else can the smartphone become using sensors?
Samsung
Pioneers in virtual reality, Samsung have relentlessly strived to merge VR headsets with their smartphone releases. The technology juggernauts have manufactured and released a number of headsets to pair up with the Samsung Galaxy handsets. Sensors have a large part to play in how the two pieces of equipment work together to create a seamless VR experience.
To collect the relevant data and create a seamless experience for the user the headset uses various sensors working together including an infra-red camera, proximity sensors, ambient light sensors, and more. This means when the wearer moves their hand in front of the headset, this will trigger the cursor to move, or an action to be completed.
Wearables and virtual reality are in the forefront of future tech. But by harnessing the data collected by sensors, are they able to create that future.
Market Growth
Because the technology industry is embracing sensors to transform devices, the number of sales of sensors is becoming increasingly attractive to businesses owners.
Recent market analysis suggests that the popularity of sensors will continue to grow over the next couple of years, in correspondence with the rise of sensor use in tech fields.
For more industry updates, keep an eye on the latest business news.
