Microsoft mulls 'whack' to switch off mobiles

By

Saves embarrassment if phone accidentally left on.

Microsoft has attempted to patent the ability to switch off a mobile device in a hurry by giving it a quick "whack".

Microsoft mulls 'whack' to switch off mobiles
Coming to a Windows Phone near you?

According to a United States patent application filed in 2011 and published last week, Microsoft has come up with 26 possible ways that a device might be able to detect a whack from the user and switch off.

Microsoft said in the filing that the growing complexity of devices made it "more difficult to quickly invoke functionality".

"Further, it can be difficult to access traditional interfaces to the device when the device is carried in a pocket or bag," the firm noted.

"At the same time, mobile devices are becoming increasingly more audible. A variety of audio ring tones, alerts, music, and the like are commonplace for such devices.

"However, there are times when silence is desired. For example, during a meeting or other event, it may be inappropriate to allow the device to emit audio output."

While acknowledging users could set devices to silent or vibrate in such cases, Microsoft said there was "still room for improvement".

"The detailed description [of this patent] presents various tools and techniques for controlling an audio signal of a mobile device by detecting a whack," the company said.

Got a news tip for our journalists? Share it with us anonymously here.
Copyright © iTnews.com.au . All rights reserved.
Tags:

Most Read Articles

Porn industry standardises on HD-DVD

Porn industry standardises on HD-DVD

La Trobe ACAMI supercomputer comes online

La Trobe ACAMI supercomputer comes online

TfNSW extends deal for mobile phone detection cameras

TfNSW extends deal for mobile phone detection cameras

Australian teen leaks pictures of new iPhone parts

Australian teen leaks pictures of new iPhone parts

Log In

  |  Forgot your password?