The inclusion of three-axis accelerometers in mobile phones will allow for some pretty nifty things, especially when combined with gyroscopes — that would enable the handset to tell how it is being moved and how it is being rotated. That’s pretty common in Japan and South Korea, while in the US the iPhone has included accelerometers for some of its features. While there are some “wow” things that are likely to attract attention, such as games that involve playing by moving the handset, I think the bigger influence will be on how the technology can help other aspects of the phone. Specifically, they could act as stabilizers to allow users to take better pictures.
CNet covers the technology quite well, including issues that face vendors of the accelerometer/gyroscope chips. “Gyroscopes provide greater range of motion, that’s true,” said Christophe Lemaire of Analog Devices. “But the jury is still out on whether you can make a suitable gyroscope/accelerometer chip. Handset makers are looking for cheaper, lower-power and smaller components. That is their priority rather than adding more functionality, especially when it only adds marginal value.”
The best way to sell the chips will be to promote them for uses that will increase carrier revenue. “I don’t think that handset makers will integrate a $2 sensor simply to allow people to scroll through screens better,” said Marlene Bourne, president and principal analyst for Bourne Research. “But using it to improve picture quality, so that I actually want to send pictures I’ve taken on my phone to friends and family, which generates traffic on a carrier’s network, might be worth it.”
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