Shoogle feedback mechanisms alert you of mobile messages, battery life

We've certainly heard of (and heard, too) cellphones pretending to be something they're not, but Shoogle ups the ante by adding a level of utility that we wish was already widely available. By utilizing accelerometers, vibrators and internal speakers, the creators of Shoogle have conjured up software that enables users to check their mobile's battery life and for unread / unheard messages by just shaking the handset. Put simply, a variety of sounds and vibrations allow the cellphone to feel as if blocks or liquid is trapped within, and all it takes is a quick shake to determine if any contacts are waiting for your response or if you need to make haste in locating the nearest AC outlet. Currently, only basic trials have been conducted, but more widespread testing is already in the cards. Oh, and just in case you were crossing your fingers for a video demonstration, feel free to straighten your digits and click on through for a glimpse.

[Via NewScientistTech]

[Karim @ Nov 27th 2007 10:07PM]

So much for all that tedious glancing at the phone to see whether I've got new messages or a low battery.

[Tonicboy @ Nov 28th 2007 3:12AM]

Well, I think you're right that the screen is still the best and simplest way to check for many indicators, but at least there's someone out there trying to innovate. Also, I can think of some examples where it's better than looking at the screen.

For example, I'm constantly checking my Windows Mobile device to see if I have new emails (the email notification is quirky and won't always alert me when new mails come in). With this, I could theoretically just shake my phone to see if there are messages without having to take it out of my pocket. Of course, it probably wouldn't work when the phone is in sleep mode, but that is solvable.

[patsy @ Nov 28th 2007 10:06AM]

I agree about the suggested uses. However, there is one use of accelerometers that has always seemed extremely obvious to me, and yet I haven't seen implemented in any device. Very often I receive voice mail or messages while I have the phone on a desk or in the locker at the gym while working out, and when returning and pocketing the phone again I fail to check for any missed messages. While most phones will periodically alert you about those missed messages via beeps or vibrates, those can be easy to miss if you head straight into a noisy environment. It would be very nice if the phone sensed that it has been stationary for a while when receiving messages, and as soon as it senses motion again such as when being picked up, to alert you right away.

[andrew @ Nov 27th 2007 10:15PM]

Looks cool to me. I think haptic and auditory signals should be used to communicate simple ideas. There are certainly people who for whom visual notifications work fine, but I think my life would be more efficient if my watch vibrated slightly on the half hour, and every time I started my car, a tone indicated whether my tires were low. This concept recognizes that sometimes there are more efficient ways to communicate certain things, and that's what interests me about it.

[Jason @ Nov 27th 2007 10:29PM]

Oh no, I don't want to have to stop reading for half a second to see if I have a text message.

[Jagannath A @ Nov 27th 2007 10:29PM]

thats the last thing I want to do with a phone: appearing like a fool while people think that I'm shaking a cellphone to make it work...

and that thing is HUGE

[ratnikh @ Nov 27th 2007 10:39PM]

EPIC FAIL. This device is made of FAIL.

Yes, add a bunch of sensors and use the vibration motor more often to let me know my batter is dying faster than ever. Your phone has a fucking screen. LOOK at it.

[lakiolen @ Nov 27th 2007 11:46PM]

Except for the little tiny fact that using the backlight takes a significant amount more power than playing a sound and turning a motor. It only uses them when the user interacts with the device, and for a shorter amount of time than the backlight would be on.

[Axton @ Nov 27th 2007 10:43PM]

This sounds like an amazing concept. Obviously the idea is pretty far from going commercial, but i would definitely buy a regular phone with this technology incorporated in it.

[ratnikh @ Nov 27th 2007 10:44PM]

battery*

the batter is not dying.. the steroid are just making him go nuts.

typing ftw

[Phillip Black @ Nov 27th 2007 10:45PM]

I smell a Google lawsuit coming on........

[John @ Nov 27th 2007 10:45PM]

I think the advantage here is that the screen can be off whilst you check your messages/battery levels.

[Josiah @ Nov 27th 2007 11:11PM]

Yes, backlights drain a bit more power than sound, I think... though that may not be the case for a speaker loud enough for you to hear, in addition to running the accelerometer.

Don't hate innovation though... even if this device doesn't do very well, it's something new and might be applied to something more useful.

[T-Bone @ Nov 27th 2007 11:09PM]

I'd rather have an e-ink battery indicator. At least it only uses electricity when the status changes and very little at that. It was super annoying when my phone vibrated or made a noise AND turned on the screen. If only there was some way to tell the phone,"I know the battery is low. Quit wasting power reminding me!"

[umm....hello??? @ Nov 27th 2007 11:25PM]

wtf?! seriously?? my phone can beep once, ring, or vibrate when I have a txt message, and will beep/vibrate alert when the battery is low. Kyocera Phantom for US Cellular. although I agree, once I know that it's low, I don't need it to remind me every five minutes of that fact. but seriously, screw this waste of money of a device. what's next? a device to remind you that your reminder device is running low on juice?? this should be reported on the news as a scam. surprised I didn't get a email in my junk folder for this piece of crap. /end rant

[jilie @ Nov 27th 2007 11:58PM]

ummm.. nokia n95 Shake Control?

[sr @ Nov 28th 2007 12:13AM]

Yeah we already have some shake control apps for our phones.

[Loki @ Nov 28th 2007 12:16AM]

sure it might not be all that useful, but i think its a pretty cool idea anyway. just the concept is pretty fascinating, that we can simulate physical feedback like that.

[karts41 @ Nov 28th 2007 12:20AM]

i think this would me more suited to checking to see if you had a message, while your phone was still in your pocket.

ie. at work or school when you shouldnt be using your phone lots/at all.

[Jagannath A @ Nov 28th 2007 7:24AM]

'vibration alert' it is called

[karts41 @ Nov 29th 2007 4:37AM]

yes....but has your phone ever vibrated with your keys in your pocket?

go on and try it.

[Shiftlock @ Nov 28th 2007 12:46AM]

It seems Rube Goldbergish. Wouldn't pressing a button and having it speak or beep accomplish the same thing without adding additional parts and complexity?