The company says anyone can build a notification accessory

Nov 14, 2014 13:35 GMT  ·  By

If you’re the owner of a Lumia 930, you surely know that getting notifications on your phone is quite a challenge, as this particular model does not come with Glance Screen support and doesn’t have any other notification system such as an LED light or anything like that.

On the other hand, it does show notification banners and turn on the screen to let you know that a new message is available, but still no advanced system as you find on other devices.

Microsoft, however, developed one notification system that’s as innovative as it is appealing: a lamp. Together with design company Fatboy and Bluetooth module maker BlueGiga, Microsoft modified the Edison Petit lamp to create a smart version that can blink when you have new notifications.

The device works in the same way as a wireless charging plate does and uses a Smart Bluetooth module from BlueGiga to communicate with the Windows Phone device and receive information.

Not yet up for grabs

If the first thing that comes to your mind right now is “shut up and take my money,” we’ve got some pretty bad news for you.

The lamp is not yet available and Microsoft hasn’t said anything about mass production, but it has mentioned that the project could be on display at some specific technology events. It was already showcased at an event in Berlin on September 4 and could be again presented to visitors at future conferences.

Simone Leggio, lead program manager for Microsoft Connectivity Software Program Management, also showcased some Nokia Wireless Charging Plates, explaining that any third-party company out there can build its very own smart accessory for Windows Phone devices.

“Third parties can develop their own notification accessory and related application. All they need is the BT LE chipset supporting the notification and APIs to be able to connect to the chipset. The chipset can be obtained contacting BlueGiga,” he said.

Charging Plates aren’t something entirely new, but they surely come in handy, and as Leggio explains, it’s enough to keep the phone in their proximity and they will remind you when charging is needed with a soft glowing light.

“The real smartness comes from it being the first wireless charger to talk to your phone. Rather than waiting for you to remember, it will actually invite you to charge your Lumia. The interaction between the phone and the plate is enabled by Bluetooth Low Energy technology (Bluetooth LE). There’s nothing else like it,” he explained.

This accessory is already available for purchase from Microsoft’s online store and other retailers starting at $49.99 (38 euros).

Windows Phone charging plates (10 Images)

The lamp can now blink when a notification is detected
Nokia charging plateNokia charging plate
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