Beyond the current Smartphone Application: Using smartphone hardware to measure UV radiation

Smartphone applications that predict UV radiation exposure are evolving in ways to assist the user in determining how much protection from exposure to UV radiation should or might occur. The usefulness of these apps are apparent, yet many do not harness the entire range of capabilities of a smartphone. Research performed at the University of Southern Queensland has been investigating the use of a smartphone in different ways to support new or improve current applications. Smartphones have been shown to detect UVA radiation, and more recently UVB radiation. A review of the advances, and limitations of smartphones will be presented, including consideration of where to go from here.