Reducing Unpleasant Speakerphone Surprises: Automatic Speakerphone Switching

[Chuong Nguyen]

Research in Motion, the makers of the BlackBerry, has just filed for a patent that will enable headsets to automatically detect if the phone is up to the user's ears to switch off speakerphone. CrackBerry (http://crackberry.com/rim-works-make-easy-even-easier-new-patent-app-adaptive-switching-between-handset-mode-and-speaker-m) states that the volume of user's voice will help to determine the mode of operation, whether it be headset or speakerphone. This seems like a cool idea, especially considering that I've had conversations on speakerphone, walked away to do something quick and forget that I am on speakerphone to hold the phone up to my ear only to be deafened. I definitely would like to see more headset manufacturers license this technology if it ever is released or becomes available.

[Brandon Miniman]

Excellent idea! In WM Smartphone, you have to press and hold the Send button to get the speakerphone to turn on which is annoying. It's MUCH more intuitive to have it turn on and off automatically.

[Chuong Nguyen]

Already, with auto-rotate courtesy of the iPhone and auto speakerphone on the horizon from RIM/BlackBerry, these simple things could only make smartphones smarter.

[Pony99CA]

Doesn't the iPhone also turn the display off if it detects the phone by your ear?

Steve