The world is becoming increasingly more like science fiction. Take for example thislighting display that is made of bacteria. And what does our new science fiction world need more than the smallest microphone ever invented, one that can barely be seen by the naked eye?
Hopefully nothing, because Bosch Senortec GmbH has created a microphone that is 700 square microns (note: a micron is one-millionth of a meter). This MEMS microphone is predicted to ship more than 1.7 billion units by 2014, to be used in phones, tablets, laptops, recorders, and Bluetooth devices such as headsets and mics.
Plus, here's to hoping it could lead to some hilarious rock concerts.
Though it's not being marketed for this purpose yet, it could also possibly be used as a type of hearing aid. Since the microphone is nearly invisible to the naked eye, it could go incognito. There might be a variety of medical purposes as well, such as recording heartbeats to diagnose cardiac disease.
And, of course, it could be used as a spy device, as its information gathering powers are actually kind of terrifying. A microphone that can barely be seen by the naked eye could be used in a variety of ways you'd probably rather not think about. Technology like this raises the classic question: will it be used for good or for ill?
Only one way to find out.
EE Times, via Crazy Engineers
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