What do you think is the next step in flashlights?

[YogibearAl]

@LEDicrous

Wish list for future modern light:

1) USB-C socket. I know it’s more expensive than micro-USB. But I am very willing to pay the extra $0.50

2) Flashable firmware. This would allow the user to keep the light updated with better firmware without changing the hardware. Similar to flashing custom ROMs on an Android phone.

3) Configurable firmware via a computer. Kind of extension of item #2. If the firmware is user-flashable, why not make it configurable? Either via a config file or a more advanced UI with checkbox.

Better yet. Make the firmware flashable through the USB-c port. So usb-c supports both charging and data. USB-c to USB-c support.

[anonymous_user]

@LEDicrous

Another idea: Add more physical buttons for non-expert users:

• An On-Off switch, which has ONLY the function ON or OFF. Ideally designed in such a way which prevent accidental turning on. The light is turned on at the last used mode.

• An Up-Down switch: for scrolling through various modes. Designed to change lighting mode only when the user needs.

Some flashlights do have a dual switch design. Take the TN12 for example. Tail button for on/off and the side button for changing modes. Another flashlight that may appeal to you is the Nitecore MT10C.

[LEDicrous]

[quote=YogibearAl]

@LEDicrous

Better yet. Make the firmware flashable through the USB-c port. So usb-c supports both charging and data. USB-c to USB-c support.

Obviously, this has to be through USB-C. Otherwise this would not be user-friendly.

[hank]

I’m betting on flashlights and weapons lights with built in face recognition tied to police or homeland databases.
https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2020/01/modern_mass_sur.html

Focusing on one particular identification method misconstrues the nature of the surveillance society we’re in the process of building. Ubiquitous mass surveillance is increasingly the norm. In countries like China, a surveillance infrastructure is being built by the government for social control. In countries like the United States, it’s being built by corporations in order to influence our buying behavior, and is incidentally used by the government.

In all cases, modern mass surveillance has three broad components: identification, correlation and discrimination. Let’s take them in turn….

[adirondackdestroyer]

I would think the next step is either better battery technology, or better LED efficiency so the high settings can run for much longer.

[Johnv]

Control the personal preferences with an phone-app, then send this profile to the flashlight with Bluetooth.

[dorpmuller]

@LEDicrous

Wish list for future modern light: 1) USB-C socket. I know it’s more expensive than micro-USB. But I am very willing to pay the extra $0.50 2) Flashable firmware. This would allow the user to keep the light updated with better firmware without changing the hardware. Similar to flashing custom ROMs on an Android phone. 3) Configurable firmware via a computer. Kind of extension of item #2. If the firmware is user-flashable, why not make it configurable? Either via a config file or a more advanced UI with checkbox.

Custom firmware PC program that has a GUI for those of us that need step by step. And a connection to the flashlight that is standardized and where you don't have to be a contortionist.

[andychrist]

@dorpmuller

Custom firmware PC program that has a GUI for those of us that need step by step. And a connection to the flashlight that is standardized and where you don’t have to be a contortionist.

Amen to that! Love to have it run in a smartphone/tablet app.

Doubt this will ever happen but until LED tints in flashlights all become adjustable like Philips Hue bulbs, wish manufacturers would socket rather than solder the stars for easy swapping. 3V and 6V emitters could have different sized sockets to prevent muggles like me from blowing it.

Would like to see more modular design in other areas as well. Drop-in optics to replace reflectors, and a range of diffusing lenses to fit inside any bezel.

And of course, as an avid cyclist, would appreciate bicycle friendly accessories such as handlebar mounts available for every diameter of flashlight body (ones I cobbled together myself probably weigh as much as the whole flashlight, D’oh!) Slide-on aluminum reflectorized hoods that fit around the bezel another wish of mine, am sure the manufacturers could easily come up with sturdier and more attractive ones than the crap I devised. And yeah, I know some flashlight manufacturers already have self-contained bike friendly options but none have all that much battery capacity and adding external USB power banks kinda defeats their original intent.

[Rexlion]

Next big thing: a working neuralyzer. Break out the sunglasses…

[Jerommel]

Next step into more added nonsense, making them toys rather than useful devices.

LEP

moar output

LEDs will further improve, but the mainstream is apparently still in love with cool white.

more efficient drivers.

So, overall improvement ahead, so upgrading older lights will probably never end.

[Macka17]

Reliable efficiency.
3 way sw L.M.H. Or 2 way M.H only.
Screw base, On-Off control.

With switches that don’t give problems.
There are a lot (regardless of pricing) of torches out there.
With too complex switches. which usually end up with reliability problems.

I’ve thrown out a couple (frustration).
with another coupla three in drawer now with intermittent problems.
2 of my AO1’s for a start.
These later ones I’ve bought are not so good.
Sometimes yes. sometimes no.
Ah well. $11Aud a pop. Getting to be throw away items it seems.
As much as I like them.

[peabody]

Liquid cooling with glycol or ammonia where led heat moves refrigerant through tubing keeping head and handle cool.

[nydude]

Does anyone see magnetic charging supplanting micro usb to maintain high IPX water proofing?

[Boaz]

Time ,temperature,weather ,internet, self connecting to the charger . You wake up just in time to see it crawling across the floor .past the cat ,up the side of the desk to the charging station..after a two minute wrestling match with the cell phone the flashlight eases back into it's charging cradle .

[hank]

Pullout microwave antenna for harvesting energy and recharging from any ambient radio source.
See Heinlein’s Waldo.

[mr_magoo]

Led heat control. I think there will be led developments that send more of the heat out the front instead of absorbing it into the body.

[Boro]

LED’s which produce much less heat per lumen would be an evolutionary change, active and passive cooling is just a Band-Aid fix.

[andychrist]

@nydude

Does anyone see magnetic charging supplanting micro usb to maintain high IPX water proofing?

Wireless charging would accomplish this. Magnetic, not so much. Because the terminals are still exposed and would have to be recessed like any USB port for a siliconized rubber stopper to fit over it. I purchased a couple dozen or so magnetic cables and plugs for all my usb lights, but would be wary of using any of them this way in the rain.

[ClipSwitch]

Lights that activate automatically when you pull them out of your pocket and turn off/lock out when you clip them to your pocket. Clip Switches.

[texas_shooter]

@nydude

Does anyone see magnetic charging supplanting micro usb to maintain high IPX water proofing?

Olight did it by molding it into the part. Streamlight half way did it by using an external waterproof contact points. However it sits in a cradle instead of a magnet. These are not modified USB ports but design as waterproof external contact points. Wireless while a little slower would potentially be even more waterproof. My complaint is USB ports are not sealed in, and the rubber cover is a very weak point.