Most people still have no idea what is commonly called smart or smart accessories. Essentially, these are ordinary cases that can protect the device from falls, but have additional features. You will find out what this is by reading the article. It is worth noting in advance that Xiaomi’s smart cover can have the same high level of efficiency as similar products used in more expensive smartphones.

What is a smart cover

As already mentioned, a smart cover is a type of regular book cover. Their difference is that they have a corresponding cutout on the front panel, covered with glass. This makes it possible to view all notifications without folding the front. Also, instead of a window, a completely transparent front cover made of tempered glass. There are also varieties with a plastic panel, which has a huge number of holes through which the image on the display is very clearly visible.

Cases are produced in which it is impossible to see the contents on the screen through the front surface. These covers use a special magnetic sensor, which, when the accessory is opened, sends a special signal to the smartphone to unlock it. This way, you won't need to unlock your device by touching the fingerprint scanner or pressing the power button. By the way, such a sensor is found in almost all smart cases, which have a wide variety of implementation methods.

It’s worth mentioning separately that the phone you’re using must support smart cover mode, otherwise buying such a case won’t bring much joy, because the smartphone simply won’t unlock when you open the front cover.

Attention! For the smart mode to be available and the device to support work with this kind of cases, Xiaomi phone must be equipped with a Hall sensor.

How to use

In Xiaomi smartphones, smart cover support is mainly provided by Note line models and flagship versions. In this case, it will not be enough to put the accessory on the phone for everything to work immediately. First you need to activate a special mode on your smartphone. To do this you need:

Note: the name of this item may differ depending on the MIUI shell version. However, its location remains unchanged.

Possible problems

Sometimes the user may be upset by some of the difficulties associated with using such a case. In other words, it may simply not unlock the screen. If the smart cover does not work, you need to do the following:

We cannot exclude the fact that the accessory may turn out to be of poor quality, damaged or defective. Some unscrupulous manufacturers simply install a non-working dummy magnet.

To ensure a successful purchase, it is recommended to purchase only models from the Xiaomi manufacturer that will exactly fit the phone. Moreover, the manual for such a case will indicate which model it is intended for. In this case, the risks that the smart cover will refuse to work are reduced to zero.

This time enthusiasts from iFixit decided not to stop there, and to the already disassembled iPad 2 they added a disassembled cut iPad 2 case. You wanted to know how it works, right? It's time to figure it out.

But first, iFixit specialists decided to look at the magnets with which Smart Cover attaches to the tablet and interacts with it. For this, service technicians used a special magnetic film. And this is what they saw:

Left side: 4 short magnets and 2 long ones

Right side: 4 magnets in iPad 2, 14+1 in Smart Cover

Marked in red is a single round magnet that turns off iPad display 2. It works like this:

All thanks to special magnetic sensor, located under the glass of the iPad 2. Let's take a closer look at this place:

Magnetic sensor and 4 magnets on the right side of iPad 2

On the left side of the iPad 2 there are completely different magnets. They are spring-loaded and screwed to the body with ordinary Phillips screws:

Notice the little blue streaks? This is how the polarity of the magnets was marked, and the marks were made with a simple marker. This means that not only automation takes part in the assembly of the iPad 2.

But let's return to our Smart Cover. The cover could only be opened by cutting it with a scalpel.

Inside there were 4 plastic plates. On the left, a large piece of metal is sealed into the plate; on the right, magnets are visible through the translucent plastic. This whole structure gives the case the necessary rigidity; without it, Smart Cover turns into an ordinary “flap” of polyurethane:

The left side of the Smart Cover contains 6 magnets for attaching the case to the tablet - 2 long and 4 short:

The photo on the right shows a magnet removed from the iPad 2. When the Smart Cover was introduced, many feared that its attachment to the tablet would not be reliable enough. iFixit refutes any speculation in this regard. Thanks to the special arrangement of the magnets, the case fits onto the iPad 2 like a glove, and it is simply impossible to connect it incorrectly.

Finally, the service technicians took a traditional photograph of the device (in this case, the case) along with its insides. They even gave their traditional rating for “restorability.” Smart Cover received 0 points out of 10– as a joke, of course.

website Attention! Next - a lot of photographs. We monitor the traffic. This time, enthusiasts from iFixit decided not to stop there, and to the already disassembled iPad 2 they added a disassembled, cut iPad 2 Smart Cover. You wanted to know how it works, right? It's time to figure it out. But first, iFixit specialists decided to look at the magnets that...

If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone or tablet, then you may have noticed one interesting item in the device settings: “Smart cover mode”. Curious users, seeing it for the first time, wonder: what is it for and is it needed at all? It’s not difficult to get to the bottom of the truth if the smartphone was purchased in official store and is supplied with instructions in Russian. For those who ordered the device through Ali or another trading platform, without bothering ourselves with the difficulties of translation, we are ready to tell you what " Smart cover mode".

Let's start with the fact that not everyone needs this mode, but only users who bought a so-called “smart case” for their Xiaomi device. This accessory resembles a notebook in appearance and opens exactly like it. It is enough to open the cover to access the gadget screen. For clarity, below we have posted a photo of one of the models of “smart cases”.

But let's return to the smart cover mode. The point is that "smart cases" are equipped with built-in magnets that hold the “cover” closed. There is a special magnetic sensor under the glass of Android devices. When you open the “cover,” the sensor is triggered and the screen automatically unlocks.

It is worth admitting that this is quite convenient, but there will certainly be users who will object: “What about data security? After all, any stranger, who opens the cover of the case, gains access to the device and all its contents! "So this is exactly why the function of enabling and disabling the smart cover mode has been introduced. If you are concerned about the safety of information, disable this mode. The device does not store the “secrets of the Madrid court,” and there are no children with playful hands in the house - use the smart cover mode, getting instant access to the gadget screen, without wasting time on unlocking it, whenever you need it. The right of choice is yours!

On the Internet in various forums you can come across such a concept as “smart cover on xiaomi”. However, many users do not know anything about it. What is this? Some special mode or unusual gadget that can expand the functionality of a smartphone? Let's figure it out.

In fact, this is not an electronic device, but a regular protective case in the form of a book, which allows you to automatically turn on or off the phone display when you open or close the front cover. It is very convenient for the user with such an accessory - there is no need to constantly press the power button to activate (or vice versa) the smartphone screen. Many models of similar cases also have windows. Through them you can view notifications and even answer calls without opening the case.

Various companies produce smart covers. There are those that are produced by Xiaomi itself. But most are done by third party companies. In any case, anyone can choose a similar accessory to suit their taste and color.

What is the price?

As for the cost, it varies on average from 300 to 1500 rubles. So, a friend of mine bought a book case for his redmi note 5 on aliexpress for 350 rubles. Of course, considering the cost, such a smart cover was made of plastic and polyurethane. If you need a case book made of higher quality materials, you will have to pay more. For example, on mi-shop.com the original smart case for Redmi Note 4 costs 1,290 rubles.

For reference! Some users prefer not to use smart covers on their Xiaomi mobile devices. The reason is insufficient security. After all, with this case, anyone who opens the cover gets access to the device and all its contents.

How smart covers work on xiaomi

How does a smartphone understand that you have opened the cover of the case and it needs to illuminate the display at that moment? It's actually simple. These “smart” covers have built-in magnets. Well, Xiaomi smartphones or tablets are equipped with special sensors that are located under glass.

It turns out that when you open the smart cover, the sensor is triggered, and the lock is automatically removed from the device display. When closed, on the contrary, the device screen goes blank.

Smart cover does not work on xiaomi: why and what to do?

So, here you have purchased this accessory and “dress” your smartphone in it. But for some reason I don’t want the display to automatically turn on or off when the lid is closed/opened. So, first of all, let’s activate the function:

1. Let's go to settings.
2. Go to the “System and Device” section.
3. Next, tap on “Screen lock and fingerprint.”
4. Click on the “Advanced settings” item.
5. Move the Smart Cover Mode switch to the active position.

Now check - everything should work. If suddenly no action occurs when you close and open the smart cover, then you should check the cover on another smartphone. Does he work there? Then, most likely, the phone on which it is observed this problem, the proximity sensor has failed. It is necessary to check its functionality.

Also keep in mind that over time, the magnets built into the case may become unusable. Therefore, on old covers, the device sometimes does not respond to user actions to open or close the cover. There is only one way out - update the smart case.

For reference! Afterwards sometimes they get confused required settings. This also applies to the “Smart Cover” function. Therefore, after installation new version OS, look at the appropriate section and make sure that the slider is moved to the “On” position.

Features of smart cases for smartphones and tablets

Remember the first cases that were bought for “indestructible” mobile phones Nokia and Motorola - they not only protected devices from falls and shocks, but made them easier to carry: on a belt, on the wrist, or even on the neck. The thinner and more fragile phones became, the more pressing the task was to protect their delicate electronic components and screen from damage. Therefore, the next generation of cases has become more functional. They were made of plastic with rubberized plastic inserts that absorbed falls, soft silicone, and even metal. Today, this problem has not gone away, but there is a need to expand the functionality of this protective element - this is how “smart” cases appeared, which will be discussed below.

Smart case - what is it?

A “smart” or smart case (from the English smart) still remains a protective accessory for a mobile device - a phone or smartphone. But at the same time he has a number additional functions, which make the life of the average user a little easier. Various manufacturers put different meanings into the prefix “smart”. Some give this case the ability to read messages and alerts, as well as reject calls without opening the case. Others are to lock or unlock a mobile device by closing and opening the cover, respectively. Still others equip the case with an additional battery, and still others - with their own screen for displaying useful information: current time, date, system alerts and others.

To understand which of the “smart” cases you really need, just pay attention to your own mechanism of interaction with your mobile device. If you save your time, the first, second and fourth options are suitable for you. If it is important for you to always be in touch, pay attention to the third one, with a built-in battery. But even better, check out what the smart case market has to offer. The most interesting models will be discussed below.

Apple Smart Battery Case

Let's start with the most sensational cases - Smart Battery Case from Apple. They are produced for iPhone models 6/6S and 7. In the first case, accessories are available in black and gray; in the second, rich red is also added to them. The case is made of elastomeric material and silicone, and is also equipped with a microfiber lining, which further protects the smartphone from external influences. But the most interesting thing about it is, of course, the built-in battery. It provides up to 25 additional hours of talk time, 20 hours of video viewing, and 18 hours of Internet browsing via LTE networks. You can check the battery charge status through your smartphone's Notification Center. To recharge the smart case, a cable with a standard Lightning connector is used, and recharging from a proprietary docking station is also supported.

From a practical point of view, such a solution looks very reasonable, but appearance mobile device, according to many buyers, is suffering. Considering that Apple technology It is valued for its elegant and discreet design; the presence of an impressive influx (the same built-in battery) on the back of the smartphone clearly does not make it more beautiful. In addition, this toy is not cheap - the case costs about 7,500 rubles.

Another smart case option designed for iPhone smartphones 6 Plus. This time the manufacturer is a third party company. She turned out to be even more practical and released a “two-in-one” accessory. Its case also serves as an additional power source, but can also be used in its standard form. The battery and the pad are aligned using magnets. When the device is fully charged, you can simply disconnect the battery and continue working with your smartphone in the thin case. The latter is offered in a single color - gray. In the center of the pad and the removable battery there are slightly convex and concave elements, respectively, with cross-shaped notches - this will make it easier for the user to figure out exactly how to connect them together.

The battery capacity in the iHave X-series Magnetic Smart case is 5000 mAh, which is enough for an average of two charging cycles Apple iPhone 6 or 6S. To replenish the battery capacity, a standard Lightning connector is used. This smart case turned out to be quite interesting due to its ability to transform. With just one cover yours mobile device will still look thin and elegant, and that’s worth a lot. By the way, about the cost - here it is noticeably lower than in the previous case, and is about 2000 rubles.

This case is designed for several flagship smartphones from the One/One2 line of the Taiwanese manufacturer HTC. Unlike the two previous models, it covers the mobile device from all sides. Its main task is to notify the user about important events in the device without opening the case and unlocking it touch screen. This is implemented in an unconventional way. Light easily passes through many small dots at the top of the case - this is how a dotted image is formed on the screen. This is how the most miscellaneous information: current date and time, caller's name, battery charge, air temperature and more. In order for all these functions to work, you need to install the application of the same name from Google Play on your smartphone.

The Dot View case is made of high-quality polyurethane and is available in several colors: gray, black, red, orange, blue, beetroot, purple. On the inside, a fabric is used that prevents the formation of small abrasions on the smartphone body. Such a case costs relatively little - only 1,500 rubles.

And they come into play again apple phones- this little-known manufacturer makes cases for them. No points or built-in batteries this time. Instead, an additional display is used, made using E-Ink technology - it is well known to amateurs e-books. Also this technology called electronic ink. This case displays images on an additional E-Ink screen.

It would seem that the iPhone already has a great display, why do we need another one? The second takes on the function of informing the user about the most important events in the smartphone in order to save battery power. The less you access the main display, the longer you delay your next trip to the electrical outlet. Another advantage is that to perceive text information Such a display is much more comfortable for the eyes - they are not overstrained due to high contrast, an abundance of colors or sun glare. If you want to read a fascinating book or study postponed articles on the road, then this is exactly the solution that you will appreciate.

To transfer images from the main screen to the secondary screen, the Oaxis InkCase I5 Smart Protective Case uses Bluetooth technology - simple and yet economical (and again, no excessive load on the battery!). The case itself is made of elastic polymer. Its main disadvantage is that it slightly thickens the elegant iPhone case. On the other hand, you have more opportunities to personalize your mobile device - a large number of interesting images are available in a special gallery that can be displayed on the E-Ink screen in a static state. The cost of this case is quite high - about 7,000 rubles.

Lunecase

The manufacturer positions this case as mobile accessory for iPhone with an innovative notification system, but does not forget about its main function - protective. The main feature of the case is its LED panel. Thanks to it, light alerts in the form of icons are displayed on the back of the case. First of all, these are signals about incoming calls and new messages. Interestingly, their indicators begin to glow on the case before they appear on the screen of the mobile device itself. At the same time, there are no auxiliary data transmission channels used here, as in the previous case - everything is based on the processing of electromagnetic signals sent by the smartphone. Lunecase analyzes the length and nature of the waves, after which it instantly activates one or another glowing icon.

A nice bonus: the Lunecase case does not use the energy of the standard smartphone battery, but runs on the same electromagnetic radiation. It itself is made of plastic that is pleasant to the touch with a soft rubberized coating. The design is minimalistic but effective. Isn't this interesting to owners of smartphones with the Apple logo? You can buy a Lunecase case for an average of 3,000 rubles.

AliveCor

In addition to its protective functions, the AliveCor’s Heart Monitor case also performs a purely practical task: it tracks your heart rate and makes an electrocardiogram. The accessory works in conjunction with the AliveECG application, which must be installed on your mobile device. The data obtained during the study does not disappear without a trace - it can be stored in memory for a long time, periodically used to build graphs. Measurement statistics can also be sent to the attending physician for analysis.

This is another case designed specifically for Apple iPhone owners. This is not just a fun accessory, but a truly effective device that has been certified by the FDA and received a medical device certificate, which allows it to be classified as medical equipment. Naturally, people without any medical education can safely use the heart rate monitor - it very clearly interprets the readings, which is very important for those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases. However, this case costs a lot - more than 6,500 rubles.