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Airplane Mode: Google prepares an Automatic Mode

In the not too distant future we will be able to say goodbye to the need to manually activate airplane mode on our electronic devices during air travel. Google recently registered a patent for a revolutionary technology that promises to change the way we use smartphones, laptops and tablets on board aircraft.

Imagine yourself on board a plane, about to take off, and the flight attendant asks you to activate airplane mode on your devices. A simple action, but one that may soon become obsolete.

According to the patent registered by Google, a technology was developed that can automatically detect when a device is on board an airplane, automatically activating its airplane mode. This means that flight attendants do not need to ask passengers to activate flight mode and the devices will automatically adjust to optimal settings for the flight environment.

The current Airplane mode has some limitations, as it disables all wireless connections, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, preventing the use of services such as Wi-Fi, available on a multitude of modern aircraft, which require the activation of specific connections. Google’s patented technology overcomes these limitations by providing selective configuration of network connections based on user preferences and available services.

But how does the technology behind automatic airplane mode work?

Google’s new technology will use different triggers to modify wireless connections and interaction with various applications on the device, all to optimize the flying experience. For example, the new ‘Auto Airplane Mode’ can disable automatic backups, background app refresh and app updates to ensure an optimal flight and, just as important, save battery power during the journey. The technology takes into account several factors, including:

  • Environmental factors (pressure drop, acceleration/velocity)
  • Cockpit sounds (flight engine, altitude ding)Sound planes (ultrasonic tone)
  • Radio signal factors (GPS signal, Network ID, Wi-Fi signal)GOOGLR
  • Contextual factors (trip booking activity, check-in status)

Airplane mode

This innovative technology supports various wireless connections such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The new Airplane Mode can intelligently adjust Wi-Fi settings based on available network quality, ensuring a stable and reliable connection; after a certain period of inactivity, it can automatically turn off to save battery life.

After disembarking the plane, the technology puts the device back into normal mode, reactivating mobile calls and restoring default settings.

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