Motion-sensing phones

By Declan McCullagh on 26 March 2007

The technology made popular by Nintendo's Wii game controller is adding new utility -- and excitement -- to the mobile phone.

Apple's iPhone uses accelerometer technology to detect when the device is rotated from the portrait (or vertical) position to the landscape (horizontal) position. It then automatically changes the display, allowing the user to determine which position is best for viewing a particular Web page, video or photo on the phone's screen.

The iPhone also has a proximity sensor that detects when a user lifts the device to the ear; the sensor immediately turns off the display to save power and prevent inadvertent screen touches until the iPhone is moved away.

Credit: Declan McCullagh/CNET News.com

Related: Motion-sensing comes to mobile phones

Topics: mobile phone, motion sensor

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