Earlier this month, speculation swirled around who will launch the first smartphone with a camera that uses MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems). As the rumour mill churned, Google’s Nexus 5 was at the forefront of conjecture. But to everyone’s surprise, DigitalOptics, a MEMS manufacturer, announced that China’s major electronics manufacturer, OPPO would be the first to ship a MEMS-based Smartphone camera with their new N1 Smartphone.
In a press release, President of DigitalOptics Corporation, John Thode said, “We are proud to announce that OPPO and DOC are exclusive launch partners. OPPO will be the first smartphone OEM to incorporate mems|cam products in volume.”
So what is MEMS and why is it such a big deal?
There are two different types of MEMS that you can find in a wide variety of electronic devices:
1. MEMS Gyroscope
MEMS gyroscopes measure the angular velocity of the digital and automotive devices in which they are embedded. MEMS gyroscopes do things like can detect hand rotation for image stabilization in digital cameras, or allow for highly accurate motion sensing applications in smartphones. Gaming devices use MEMS gyroscopes to provide an improved 3D experience for users, enriching their gaming experience. In cars, gyroscopes help navigate in the right direction when the GPS signal is lost.
2. MEMS Accelerometer
MEMS accelerometers measure the translational or angular acceleration of sensor electronic devices. They have low power consumption, and provide compact and robust sensing applications for electronic devices. They are often integrated with other MEMS sensors, to provide accurate multi-axis sensing data. They are used in a wide range of applications ranging from mobile devices to cars. One of the primary applications of MEMS accelerometers in mobile phones is their ability to change the screen orientation according to the usage. In cars, they are used in airbag safety systems and navigational applications.
While both MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers are incorporated into a wide variety of electronic devices, gyroscopes offer more features than their counterpart. This is why the Global MEMS Gyroscope market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2 percent for the 2012-2016 period, whereas the Global MEMS Accelerometer market is expected to experience slightly less growth at a CAGR of 8.2 percent.
That being said, both systems serve different purposes, which is why devices often incorporate both, which is exactly what OPPO’s N1 Smartphone did to create a rotating camera.
The N1 page on OPPO’s website says that, “OPPO was the first in the world to release a 13-megapixel camera smartphone. With the N1, we are once again realizing new possibilities in smartphone photography. Introducing the world’s first smartphone with a rotating camera. The revolutionary rotating camera features a 206° rotation, and will securely lock at any angle. No matter what angle you choose, having just one amazing camera means that front facing shots are finally just as good as back facing shots.”
While OPPO is the first to used MEMS in a smartphone’s camera, many other smartphones like Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy products already incorporate MEMS. MEMS accelerometers are especially popular in smartphones because of their ability to change the screen’s orientation while rotating the smartphone. It is also used in shortcut functions such as changing tracks on MP3 players and answering calls. Features like these make smartphones more attractive, resulting in the high sales of smartphones, which in turn leads to the growth of the Global MEMS Market as a whole for the years to come.
For more information, view our 2012-2016 Global MEMS Gyroscope Market and Global MEMS Accelerometer Market reports.
You might also be interested in:
Global MEMS Technology Market in the Healthcare Industry 2012-2016
Global Consumer Motion Sensor Market 2012-2016
Global Automotive Sensors Market 2012-2016
