ELi5: how does the step counter on my phone know when I’m walking versus cycling, on a tram, etc?

Question

Is it witchcraft? Seems like witchcraft.

In: Technology

Answer 1

Your phone has motion sensors for things like orientation and acceleration. So, if there’s a rhythmic impact essentially that tracks well with how a walk cycle would show up on its sensors, it can extrapolate specific steps. Cycling would have a different profile. Sitting yet smoothly accelerating would, too.