7 Tech Upgrades that Could Transform Vaping
Vape devices have come a long way over the past 16 years.
When I started vaping, early devices came in three parts (the coil, cartridge and battery) which needed assembling before you could vape. There are still questions over whether these devices actually managed to deliver meaningful amounts of nicotine.
Devices are now easier to use, perform better and are far safer. They have helped millions make the switch from tobacco cigarettes. Still, it also feels that the pace of technological improvement has slowed somewhat in recent years.
So with that in mind, here’s 7 ways vapes could improve further in the future.
Tech to make vaping safer
1. Smart nicotine/puff analysis
Many people try to reduce harm or addiction by reducing the amount of nicotine they use when they vape.
To help vapers see the impact of reducing nicotine, I’d like to see devices to track how much people inhale over time. (Vape devices can already measure puff length and puff count, so hopefully we’re halfway there.)
The vape device could send the data to a phone, which would allow vapers to see how their inhalation changes after they change to a different nicotine strength.
Vapers might, for example, see that they are inhaling more, and choose to revert to a higher nicotine strength. Alternatively, they might see that they are successfully reducing nicotine without inhaling more, and have the confidence to continue reducing e-liquid strength.
2. Eliminating burnt coils
One of the things that has frustrated me about the debate over vaping safety is the assumption that vaping technology is standing still.
In contrast to smoking, research and development has helped vaping become less harmful over the years.
With the right regulatory approach (i.e. one which encourages a responsible, legal industry instead of creating perverse incentives for an illegal black market), there’s no reason why vaping couldn’t continue to get safer.
And one of the easiest ways to reduce harm immediately is by avoiding damage to coils.
When coils deteriorate too far, they can cause a burnt taste, which causes vapers to stop using them. Experienced vapers will also replace the coil or pod regularly. But what if we could improve on this?
I’d like to see devices that could detect when a coil has started to degrade, and advise the user to replace the coil or pod.
3. Low e-liquid alerts
It’s also worth tackling one of the main causes of early coil degradation - low e-liquid levels.
When e-liquid levels get too low, the cotton in the coil dries out, and can burn when power is applied.
We’ve long championed clear pods and tanks, so it’s easy to keep an eye on e-liquid levels, but one step further could be to add a sensor which would detect when e-liquid levels are low.
This could then display a warning and/or a sound alert, or even stop the device from firing.
As a bonus, this would also increase pod and coil life, leading to reduced costs for vapers.
Tech for making vapes smarter and easier to use
4. An end to lost vapes
I’d hate to add up the amount of time I’ve spent looking for vape devices that have slipped down sofas or been left in the car.
I don’t do that with my phone or keys, though. If I can’t find my keys, I use an app on my phone. If I can’t find my phone, I press a button on my keys to find it.
The first vape company that adds this technology to their device will win my allegiance!
5. Auto vape adjustment
Despite all the advances in technology, advanced customisation still requires manual changes. For example, to make your vapour more or less airy, you need to flip a switch or move an air ring.
It’s true, this isn’t that difficult. However, many vapers seek the simplest possible solution (which is why disposable vapes became so popular.)
Imagine instead that you could just set your device to create more or less vapour - with the device then automatically adjusting airflow, power and other parameters to match your ideal vape.
This could really help people switching from smoking to vaping, as getting the perfect draw and throat hit can reduce cravings for a regular cigarette.
6. Bringing back auto-priming for better flavour and coil life
One technology that has been used before, but only in one device, is auto-priming.
Introduced by Innokin with the Sensis vape mod, this would use low power levels to bring e-liquid into the coil to ensure that it was saturated.
At first we weren’t sure if this was a marketing gimmick, but when we tested the device we found both the flavour and the coil life had improved.
I’d love to see this rolled out more widely, with automated priming used even in entry-level devices.
Tech for keeping vapes out of the wrong hands
7. Fingerprint locking
If you’re worried about children using your device, how can you stop them from getting their hands on it?
One possibility could be an optional fingerprint lock. Just like you do with your mobile phone, you would place a finger or thumb over a screen to unlock it.
This would also have the added benefit of stopping the casual vapers who love begging for a puff on your device at parties!
Final thoughts
Since the introduction of the pre-rolled cigarette in 1881, the pace of change in cigarettes has been miniscule.
And the few changes that have been made — like low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes — have often backfired, causing more harm rather than less.
In contrast, it’s remarkable how much vaping has evolved in such a short time.
If the pace of innovation remains even close to what it has been, the future is exciting. If regulations allow it, vaping could become far more satisfying than smoking, while harm could be reduced to a tiny fraction of that caused by smoking.
And that’s something worth fighting for.
Related posts
- Anatomy of the Perfect Vape Device: Learn what goes into making the perfect device, so you can choose the best one for your needs.
- The Innokin Sensis: A New Breakthrough in Vape Technology?: Learn more about the Sensis, and what made the device’s technology so unique.