Brain Game: If you could design a new phone feature, what would it be? (Round 2)
- Our writing competition starts with 10 students, who are eliminated one at a time based on your votes and YP editors’ picks – who will you choose?
- This week, contestants discuss ideas for improving our phones, such as a way to share battery life or talk to a user when they are sad
New phone features might really be able to solve all sorts of problems. Photo: ShutterstockRead through the responses to this week’s Brain Game prompt, and choose which answer you like most. Based on your votes and YP editors’ picks, we will eliminate one contestant from the competition.
Contestant 1
A battery-sharing feature. If a phone is dying, other people would be able to share their handset’s battery power, for example, 25 per cent. This could be done with the help of a unique code. It would be a useful function to help those on-the-go who always forget to charge their phone or bring a power bank (a portable charger) to recharge its batteries.
Contestant 2
It would be called “Baymax mode”, which can help monitor our health and screen time. For example, whenever a pair of headphones are connected to your phone, it will time how long they stay. If you go over the time limit, your phone will warn you to take your headphones off, which helps prevent ear damage.
Contestant 3
I would expand the current dark mode, which can help save battery power and reduce the light emitted by the screens. However, not everyone prefers the gloomy hue. So, I would like to add additional colours to the function. How nice would it be to have dark shades of pink, purple, cyan, or green?
Contestant 4
A new feature to read the user’s mind and talk to them when they are sad. This is because a lot of people are stressed but don’t want to talk to others about their problems, which can lead to depression or anxiety. I hope this new feature can help people release their pressure and lead happy, worthwhile lives.
Contestant 5
It would definitely be a music recognition function. I’m sure there would have been many times when you suddenly remember a catchy tune but forget the song. The new feature would listen to you humming the tune, and display all the songs that you would be able to choose from.
Contestant 6
A new function called “transcranial direct current stimulation” (TDCS). When you touch the phone, a low electric current will be sent to your head which will temporarily alter your brain activity. Researchers say TDCS can help boost memory, make people learn faster and enhance their mindfulness. With this feature, students can be truly efficient – who doesn’t want to be The Flash or Scarlett Witch, at least for once, anyway?
Contestant 7
Have you ever regretted leaving your charger at home? With the new feature, you would be able to charge your smartphone over the air. This would make it very convenient for people and could mean an end to the constant search for power cords. And devices could still be used while they’re charged over the air. It gives users more control over the management of their handsets.
Contestant 8
A lock that is designed for students who cannot concentrate on their studies or homework because they are always distracted by mobile apps and games. They can lock their phone with a timer before they start studying, helping to stay away from the apps.
Contestant 9
A feature that would read and reply to messages when the user is away. It would include short phrases, internet slang and emojis to fit the tone of the message. It would also be able to send photos and attachments to the participants.