► Faraday cage blocks phone signal
► Signal blocker stops distractions
► Used on Nissan Juke
The unstoppable rise of distracted drivers using their smartphones has prompted Nissan to fight back. Nissan’s Signal Shield blocks cellular, WiFi and Bluetooth signals from your phone while you’re at the wheel, so you stay focused on the road.
How does it work?
Through the ingenious use of 19th century technology – that’s how! The central armrest is lined with a Faraday cage, which collects electromagnetic signals including ones coming from phone calls or mobile internet activity and stops them reaching the phone housed inside.
Nissan calls it a ‘Silent Zone’, and it means you can ignore at least one major distraction when at the wheel. The tech concept has been demonstrated using a Nissan Juke.
Nissan GB MD, Alex Smith, said: ‘for those who struggle to ignore the beeps and pings, this concept provides a simple solution in this very ‘connected’ world we live in.’
But I use Bluetooth to stream music – what do I do?
You can still wire the device from inside the armrest if you want, as Nissan says a USB connection will do just fine at transmitting your music to the car’s audio system, distraction free.
What happens if I need to restore my mobile connections?
All you have to do is open up the armrest; the cage doesn’t cover the phone any more so it will freely reconnect to your cellular network or WiFi signal. Just don’t lean over to check your messages while you’re driving – obviously.
It’s just a concept for now, but you never know – it might be coming to a car soon.
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