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.

In the new iPhone 3G , this proximity sensor has been upgraded for better performance. The third sensor that had been rumored a lot , in fact is a second proximity sensor to compliment the one that was in the first generation iPhone. Apparently the previous sensor did not turn off the display as often as it should have (when a face was placed against it) and this new pair of sensors is expected to perform better. The iPhone 3G includes an array of three sensors (two proximity sensors, one ambient light sensor) in a J shape to the left of the ear speaker, moved from their original locations above and to the speaker’s right.

Also there has been lot of problems regarding the same. People face dial someone , or hang up, mute or disconnect a call . Or there have been problems of LCD not switching on after the call. To address such problems a new sensor was added, but still there have been a lot of issues. The major reason for such kind of problems is the cover used. The case or cover inadvertently covers up the proximity sensors in many cases , which lead to above mentioned problems. To solve such a problem, it is best to buy products custom made for iPhone 3G.
Some of the covers which do well with the iPhone proximity sensors are the iSkin Revo, the Switch Easy Color Case or Inspiretech Apple iPhone 3G Polycarbonate case.

The iSkin revo case for iPhone 2G, available here , is about the best you can do for an iPhone case. It offers excellent protection of your iPhone while still providing access to the buttons and ports. The included privacy screen film with anti-glare is a nice addition, and the embedded anti-microbial protection offers a little piece of mind against germs.

The SwitchEasy Colors Case available in a variety of colors works well too. For $15, this case offers clean design, superb protection, and a strong array of color options. It works well with iPhone 3G and has no issues with the proximity sensors and thus is highly recommended. You can get it here on Amazon.

Also there is the Inspiretech Apple iPhone 3G Polycarbonate case. You can get it here on Amazon. It features high quality polycarbonate case , custom made for iPhone 3G , provides all protection and does not interfere with any sensors too.