This Infrared Thermometer Gizmo Takes Temperatures Without Touching

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The concept...
The concept...

Wouldn’t you love to be able to measure the temperature of something simply by pointing your phone at it? That’s the promise of a tiny new gizmo that’s just been patented. The question is: will any phone manufacturers decide to include it?

It’s the brainchild of Dr Jacob Fraden, and works by detecting the infrared light given off by the thing you’re pointing it at, and works out the temperature in a second. No mercury bulbs, no touching required.

Measuring just 5mm by 5mm, the idea is that it could be embedded into any smartphone alongside the camera lens. Neato.

… the reality. So far.

Chances of Apple including something like this? About a gazillion to one, I’d say. It’s tiny, yes, but 5mm by 5mm is a huge chunk of the inside of an iPhone.

In his press release, Dr Fraden said:

The vendor with breakthrough functions for real world everyday use, like reading a child’s temperature, can distance themselves from their competitors. We believe this new patent can be a significant competitive differentiator for a smartphone manufacturer.

But then you’d expect him to say that wouldn’t you?

A lot of people would find it useful, but not enough for it to become a must-have iPhone feature. Perhaps something like this might work as an accessory, embedded into the body of an iPhone case? That might work. What do you think? Would you buy one?

Source: Press release

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