proximity

Pause Android music by putting your hand over your phone

Android smartphones make great personal media players, but because of the lock screen, pausing your music can take a few seconds. EasyMute is an Android app that allows you to quickly pause your music by simply putting your hand over the proximity sensor, even when your phone is locked.

Optionally, you can configure easyMute to lower the volume to a preset level. After installing easyMute, just tap the Enable easyMute button to turn it on.

EasyMute works with most Android music players, such as Google Music and even Pandora.

That's it. Keep in mind that, in order for easyMute … Read more

The 404 988: Where do you guys know how to post videos to Facebook? (podcast)

Great news for our live listeners--the stream is back! Please bear with the short delay that allows the stream to buffer.

We'll keep working on it, and in the meantime we put together a great show for you today with fun stories about a dummy politician citing an article from The Onion, the pitfalls of online dating, prototype headphones with built-in proximity sensors, and a conceptual McDonald's ad campaign that uses seedbombs!… Read more

ABCs of Car Tech: Driver aid systems

Last time, we took a look at how cars protect their passengers in the event of a crash. This week, we're taking a look at a few high-tech ways that modern vehicles can help prevent accidents in the first place.

Modern tech cars can be equipped with a host of driver aid systems that help make driving easier for your average commuter. From road-aware cruise control systems to self-aware headlight systems, cars are getting smarter every day.

Adaptive cruise control If the standard cruise control system was the first step toward vehicular autonomy, then adaptive cruise control system is … Read more

Why Siri doesn't like older iPhones

iPhone 4S users have been able to enjoy conversations with Siri. But owners of older iPhones have no Siri to talk to. Why?

Tearing down the iPhone 4S, the gurus at iFixit believe that Siri's absence on older phones is connected to changes in the proximity sensor used in the new iPhone.

The proximity sensor judges when your face is near the phone so it can dim the display and disable the keyboard. In past model iPhones, it turns on only during a call and then turn offs when the call is completed.

But Siri also makes use of … Read more

Prius' artificial engine noise demonstrated, explained

The approval of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act last year essentially mandated that electric vehicles or hybrids running only on electric power--devoid of the actual engine noise that makes pedestrians (particularly the visually impaired) aware that a vehicle is approaching--must now generate some sort of artificial proximity notification noise. However, although the Act mandated that EVs must make a sound, it didn't specify exactly what sound they should make. This means that every EV and hybrid manufacturer is free to make its cars sound like anything.

Toyota has released a video that explains the vehicle proximity notification sound designed … Read more

CNET Roadside Assistance 013: Running on regular (podcast)

On today's show, we give out SUV advice, oil change recommendations, answer the burning question about using regular or premium gasoline, and of course LOL cars.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 013 SHOW NOTES

• LOLcars (photos)

White iPhone 4 unboxed and tested in Italy

Italian technology blog iSpazio has kicked off what is sure to be the first of many tests of the newest iPhone release from Apple--the white iPhone 4. The blog ran tests on the proximity sensor as well as the infamous attenuation problems suffered by the AT&T iPhone 4 and the Verizon iPhone 4.

The delay in the availability of the white iPhone 4 has been largely attributed to problems with the white paint. Specifically, the way the paint was interacting with Apple's new glass technology was causing problems with the proximity sensor and allowing light leakage when … Read more

Apple could alleviate iPhone 4 proximity sensor issues with iOS change

One of the major issues surrounding the iPhone 4 release this summer was the proximity sensor failing during phone calls, resulting in muting, conference calling, and other inadvertent touch input. Despite the promise of relief in the iOS 4.1 update, many users, including myself, are still having proximity sensor issues.

A forum thread on the Apple Support Discussions addresses a functionality of the sleep/wake button (the one on the top of the iPhone) that could help users experiencing proximity sensor problems, if Apple would adjust the code in iOS slightly.

Currently, the sleep/wake button, when pressed during … Read more

iPhone 4 proximity sensor may be causing issues during calls

While Apple cruises to new sales records with its latest iPhone family member, some users are finding iPhone 4 to be more like the drunk uncle than the cool aunt, citing proximity sensor issues when attempting to make phone calls.… Read more

Users: iPhone 4 proximity sensor causes issues

While Apple cruises to new sales records with its latest iPhone family member, some users are finding the iPhone 4 to be more like the drunk uncle than the cool aunt, citing, among other glitches, proximity sensor issues when attempting to make calls.

How deep is the issue? On the Apple support discussion forums, it's 20 pages deep. And counting. Details of the issue vary throughout the forum posts, but essentially, the proximity sensor (the one that shuts down the screen functionality when your iPhone is close to your face or in your pocket) seems to be malfunctioning.

Some … Read more