Google has just filed a patent with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) titled “Activating a Connected Flight Mode.” This new patent takes the Airplane Mode on phones to the next level by allowing the device’s sensors to automatically trigger this mode.
In detail, the device’s sensors will be capable of detecting changes in the surrounding environment, such as changes in pressure, acceleration and speed, detecting sounds within the cabin or aircraft engine, ultrasonic aircraft signals, various radio signals, and other contextual factors. Consequently, the sensors will automatically switch the phone to Airplane Mode without the need for manual intervention.
Once the device’s sensors ensure that the user is on board an airplane, the Connected Flight Mode will activate automatically, disabling the cellular network. However, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can still be used and do not need to be manually activated.
Furthermore, this feature will allow Wi-Fi-connected devices to operate normally as if connected to a “high-bandwidth network with unlimited usage,” similar to using Wi-Fi on land.
Google’s hope with this new patent concept for Airplane Mode is that users can still stay connected to Wi-Fi networks on their devices without worrying about network limitations or consuming a significant amount of the limited in-flight internet connectivity resources.
