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Old 07-06-2010, 01:12 PM
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Miami_Son
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Re: G-Sensor vs. Accelerometer... difference?

I think this is a case of manufacturers adopting a word, mistakenly, as a marketing tool. In my line of work we use accelerometers as measuring devices. They tell us things like velocity, deceleration, force, etc...all things related to actual movement and not static orientation.
If you look at the calibration app for the "accelerometer" on the TP2/Tilt 2 you will see a bubble level. When has a bubble level ever been referred to as an accelerometer? It isn't. It doesn't measure movement. In fact, it specifically is designed to be used on a non-moving surface to get an accurate reading. Calling it an accelerometer is a misnomer.
Unfortunately, phone manufacturers probably thought it sounded better than saying the phone has a gyroscope in it. Most people associate a gyro with those circular toys we played with as kids and would probably scratch their heads at the idea that there was one inside a phone. Few people know what an accelerometer is, so it sounded much better as a marketing phrase. G-Sensor is just an elevation of the marketing art.
Those of us who tinker with things like R/C helicopters know that electronic gyros exist that can be put into a package smaller than your thumb. We would never consider calling them accelerometers, though.
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