iPhone Proximity Sensor
We all know much about the various features packed into the iPhone, but there are some that still escape the eye. One of the more unique features in the iPhone is its trio of sensors (orientation, light, and proximity ). The latter two being behind the glass, right above the earpiece.
The light sensor (for dimming the backlight) is great for saving power, but its use is nothing compared to the the other two sensors, which steal the show. It automatically adjusts the display’s brightness to the appropriate level for the current ambient light, thereby enhancing the user experience and saving power at the same time.
The proximity sensor, which prevents you from accidentally interacting with the screen while the iPhone is pressed against your ear, switches off the display at about 0.75-inches away; the screen switches back on after you pull away about an inch. It detects when you lift iPhone to your ear and immediately turns off the display to save power and prevent inadvertent touches until iPhone is moved away.
The orientation sensor also worked well enough. Although you can’t turn the phone on its head, when browsing in Safari you can do a 180, jumping quickly from landscape left to landscape right. The iPhone does get confused sometimes due to odd angles, but on the whole performs very well. Its also well known as the accelerometer and finds use in many applications.
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