# Signal-Boosting Train Windows These Train Windows Help Improve Passengers' Mobile Reception By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-08-30 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/train-window References: [newatlas](http://newatlas.com/train-windows-mobile-phones/45145/) & [actu.epfl.ch](https://actu.epfl.ch/news/train-windows-that-combine-mobile-reception-and-th/) You wouldn't normally think of a train window being something that has anything to do with your smartphone use while commuting, but a group of researchers working out of EPFL in Switzerland have developed innovative new laser-treated glass windows that are designed to make it easier than ever for passengers to enjoy protection and insulation from the outdoor environment without having their [cellphone signal compromised](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slnt-faraday-phone-sleeve). What's great about these train windows is the fact that they have around 2.5 percent less [metal coating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artevo) than regular windows, and even feature a unique surface pattern that is designed to help electromagnetic and light waves into the train while keeping heat waves out. These train windows are a great example of modern engineering taking into account connectivity requirements. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Improved Connectivity in Public Transportation:** The development of laser-treated train windows highlights the trend of improving connectivity for passengers while commuting. - **Innovative Window Technology:** The use of unique surface patterns and reduced metal coating in train windows presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in window technology. - **Enhanced Mobile Signal Reception:** The focus on protecting phone signals through specialized train windows demonstrates a trend towards improving passengers' mobile reception in transit. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Public Transportation:** The development of signal-boosting train windows presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the public transportation industry. - **Glass Manufacturing:** The use of laser-treated glass and unique surface patterns in train windows opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in the glass manufacturing industry. - **Connectivity Solutions:** The need for improved mobile signal reception in public transportation provides opportunities for disruptive innovations in the connectivity solutions industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Panoramic Open-Air Roof Trains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-train.md) - [Invisible Vehicle Antennas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transparent-antenna.md) - [Vehicular Smartphone Signal Boosters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weboost-drive-sleek.md) - [Recessed Digital Wall Windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquidview-digital-window.md) - [Film-Type Vehicle Antennas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lg-electronics.md) - [Accessible Train Interior Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proteus-rail-interior-system.md) - [Squid-Inspired Smart Windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquidfilled-panel.md) - [Non-Fogging Nano-Thin Gold Layers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eth-zurich.md) - [Impairment-Aiding Navigation Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/commute-booster.md)