Every new phone debut comes with a list of new features that customers should enjoy. Although some features are revolutionary and immensely useful (such as reverse cameras for selfie taking or fingerprint scanners for easy security), other features aren’t always in demand. Recently, Apple announced the removal of the headphone jack from one of its models, much to the dismay of current phone users. When it comes to phone upgrades, there’s a long list of priorities that most users would want before an eliminated headphone jack. Here are four features we wish existed and want phone designers to prioritize.
Solar-Charging Phones
One of the worst parts of phone ownership is having to constantly charge and recharge your device. All of the best features, apps, and tools in the world are useless if the phone is dead because of a poor battery. Although many manufacturers constantly try to improve battery life, most people still carry chargers with them wherever they go. Even the extended battery life of the LG G5 from T-Mobile, which might seem endless, eventually powers down. The best phones from T-Mobile and other providers still have battery depreciation as they age, increasing the amount of time spent charging.
This is why the world needs solar-powered phones. There are already cases that use solar power to charge and watches that run on solar batteries, so it’s time to combine them and apply them to our smartphone. Then, instead of trying to find a plug in the middle of nowhere, people would just leave their phones in the sun for a while and then go on their way.
Flexible Screens for Easy Carrying
Some developers are already playing with the idea of launching a flexible phone. A few have imagined a world where they can fold a phone screen in half without breaking it (for easier carrying), whereas others want a phone that bends and limits potential damage.
Brazilian designer Dinard da Mata designed a phone that snapped into a bracelet or armband, turning phones into wearable tech. Not only would this be a great option for fashion-conscious users who want to embrace wearable tech but don’t want a bulky Apple Watch or Fitbit on their arms all day, but it would also benefit runners and gym rats who use armbands to strap their current phones to their body for a hands-free workout.
Un-Sending or Editing Texts (and Emails)
Although it’s possible that the world might someday have a phone brand that charges through solar power, it’s unlikely that developers will make it possible to unsend text messages or emails. This is unfortunate, especially for anyone who has ever accidentally texted an ex-boyfriend, messaged the wrong person, or shot a text rant out of anger that he or she later regretted.
However, although it might seem like a pipe dream, there are many tools and alternatives to texting that do allow users to edit what they say. Telegram, Slack, and Skype are just a few examples of popular chat tools that let people edit after they’ve sent something, so the technology isn’t too far out there. At the very least, this feature would prevent a lot of confusion and accidental autocorrect mistakes.
Built-in Ad Blockers
There are a few ad-blocking apps on the market, but many of them constantly run in the background and end up draining the phone’s battery (a problem that could be solved with solar charging). This is increasingly becoming a problem as internet sites continue to add more spaces for advertisements and more people browse on mobile. On some websites, it’s almost impossible to determine where the ads end and the content begins.
Ads have an important place in generating revenue for publishers, but sometimes they’re excessive. A built-in ad blocker for the worst offenders would certainly be appreciated.
Some of these features are more likely than others, but either way, we’re excited to see what developers come up with. They’re probably thinking about new features and coming up with concepts that we never dreamed of — which is why we’re sure to buy whatever model comes out next.
