The 'Crowdshake' App Commandeers Smartphones to Detect Shakes
Alexander Lam — June 7, 2013 — Tech
References: csnltech.edu & springwise
Using the phones of thousands of people, the 'Crowdshake' app can detect earthquakes well in advance. The app constantly compiles the location and movement data of Crowdshake users in order to sense tremors.
If the accelerometer on a bunch of phones in a certain area jump at once, Crowdshake knows that something is wrong. The app can then warn those near the source of the earthquake to get to safety. However, those already caught in the quake don't have much use for the app since it's already too late for them.
The app was created by the Caltech Community Seismic Network as part of Vodafone's Wireless Innovation Project. The Seismic Network developed Crowdshake primarily to service the developing nations community.
If the accelerometer on a bunch of phones in a certain area jump at once, Crowdshake knows that something is wrong. The app can then warn those near the source of the earthquake to get to safety. However, those already caught in the quake don't have much use for the app since it's already too late for them.
The app was created by the Caltech Community Seismic Network as part of Vodafone's Wireless Innovation Project. The Seismic Network developed Crowdshake primarily to service the developing nations community.
Trend Themes
1. Impromptu Earthquake Sensing - Opportunity to develop innovative apps that leverage smartphone data to detect earthquakes in advance.
2. Crowdsourced Data - Opportunity to create platforms that harness the power of crowd-sourced data to detect and respond to natural disasters.
3. Wireless Innovation - Opportunity to explore wireless technologies and collaborations to address global challenges like earthquake detection.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile App Development - Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in creating apps that use smartphone data to detect natural disasters.
2. Data Science - Opportunities for data scientists to analyze and interpret crowd-sourced data for early earthquake detection.
3. Telecommunications - Opportunity for telecom companies to develop partnerships and technologies that enhance disaster response through wireless innovation.
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