The majority of the smartphones on the market today come with built-in features that let you choose settings based on where you are. For example, Airplane mode for flights and Do Not Disturb mode for when you are sleeping. These settings are usually selected manually on your device, although Microsoft has now filed a new patent for smartphones called Inconspicuous Mode.
What is Inconspicuous Mode?
This new Inconspicuous Mode will be able to automatically change a number of settings on your handset based on your location. The Inconspicuous Mode would change things like brightness, the volume, and more when you are in a movie theater or sleeping, and will also reduce the information on your lock screen. This feature aims to make your smartphone usage more seamless and less intrusive in various environments.
The system will use technologies like GPS, NFC, and WiFi to determine your location. Additionally, it will gather information from your smartphone’s camera and adjust the settings based on what you have scheduled. For instance, if your calendar indicates that you are in a meeting, the phone could automatically switch to a quieter mode, dim the screen, and limit notifications to only the most essential ones.
Potential Applications and Benefits
The potential applications for Inconspicuous Mode are vast. Imagine walking into a library and having your phone automatically switch to silent mode, or entering a gym and having it switch to a workout-friendly setting with your favorite playlist ready to go. This could significantly enhance user experience by reducing the need for manual adjustments and making the phone more intuitive.
Moreover, this feature could be particularly beneficial for people who frequently travel or have varied daily routines. For example, business travelers could benefit from automatic adjustments when they enter different time zones or attend various meetings throughout the day. Students could find it useful during classes, study sessions, and social activities.
Another interesting aspect is the potential for customization. Users could set specific preferences for different locations or activities, making the phone truly personalized. For instance, you could have a “home” mode that activates when you arrive at your house, turning on WiFi, connecting to your smart home devices, and setting your preferred lighting and sound settings.
It certainly sounds like an interesting concept. However, it is not clear as yet whether this new software patent will be used in the next major release of Windows Phone, Windows 10. Given the rapid pace of technological advancements, it wouldn’t be surprising to see such features becoming standard in future smartphone releases.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s Inconspicuous Mode represents a significant step forward in making smartphones more adaptive and user-friendly. By leveraging existing technologies like GPS, NFC, and WiFi, along with new innovations, this feature could make our daily interactions with our devices more seamless and less disruptive. As we await further developments, it will be interesting to see how this technology evolves and integrates into our everyday lives.
Source, Ubergizmo
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