Research In Motion (RIM) filed a patent for a technology back in November 2007 and it was granted to them today after 5 long years. The technology allows for the smartphone to automatically adjust earpiece volume based on the “estimated degree of seal of an ear about a speaker port”. That’s really convenient, but is it really safe?

The handset will perform this task by using the touch sensor and at least one proximity sensor.  If you are someone who loves to walk and talk, the technology will let you stay away from the volume button when you move between quiet and noisy environments.

Although the new feature sounds like a cool addition, it doesn’t look like it will be enough to help RIM’s smartphones become popular. And in fact, it might become a burden. We believe that the technology will result in RIM smartphones with increased levels of SAR. Just in case you are new to that, SAR or Specific absorption rate is a measure of the rate at which RF energy is absorbed by the body when using a mobile phone.

But you should know that the FCC has strict rules when it comes to SAR levels of phones. If the new technology is going to result in SAR levels higher than that required by FCC, we have to conclude that the new patent is useless.

The post New RIM Patent Would Result In An Increase In SAR appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

Simulated radiation concept - Photo: CNet

As controversial as it may be, Cellphone radiation and its effects on the human body, more specifically the brain, have been disputed over the decades.  No consensus has been made, and simply because there’s too many players and a lot of damn money on the line.  But by being your own judge, going by what you “feel” is right, like if you get a headache, or nervous sensations, or even rashes when using radio frequency devices, than you probably shouldn’t be using them.  On the other hand, it may do nothing to you at all other than make your life easier.  Regardless of your experiences with the use of such devices, here is a list of 20 phones currently available on the market, which CNET editors have scoured through pages of FCC filings to combine for the public.  Maybe one day when you unwrap your newest smartphone a sticker will be on the screen saying “SAR VALUE OF 1.5”  to let customers know that particular devices “specific absorption rate” level, until then, it’s gotta be done the dirty way.

SAR levels vary between devices and frequency bands, regulations are set by the jurisdiction and cellphones must remain within their acceptable levels in order to be sold in that market.  In the USA and Canada the SAR maximum is 1.6 watts per kilogram, in Europe it’s 2.0 watts per kilogram.  This measurement is conducted when the highest SAR level is recorded next to the ear.  We’ve combined the data in a chart showing you the top 20 cellphones with the highest SAR level and another with the 20 lowest SAR levels. The interesting part is that Motorola is still on the top of the list, even four years later.

Top 20 Cellphones (Highest SAR = BAD) - Chart: Mobile Magazine

Top 20 Cellphones (Lowest SAR = GOOD) - Chart: Mobile Magazine

The post The 20 most hazardous cellphones on the market appeared first on Mobile Magazine.