Skip to main content

Vodafone releases an app that enlists its customers to help the fight against cancer

Want to use your phone to help the battle against cancer? Vodafone Australia has launched a new Android app called DreamLab, where your idle smartphone and a little bit of mobile data could help speed up research into four strains of cancer: breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate.

Vodafone has partnered with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney to produce a smartphone-powered, virtual supercomputer, designed to aid researchers in finding cures for cancer. The medical institute will tap into the processing power of your phone and use it to perform small calculations, the results of which are then sent back to Garvan. Vodafone claims with 1,000 users, problems could be solved up to 30 times faster, potentially leading to more medical breakthroughs.

Recommended Videos

vodafone-dreamlab-appYou’ll be able to choose what types of cancer to support, and how much data you’re willing to dedicate per month, which can be sent over a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Because the phone must have a full battery to make its calculations and send back the results, it’s perfect for utilizing the downtime while your phone’s on charge overnight. Garvan and Vodafone promise the app won’t have access to any private information, so the paranoid should be able to use the app without fear.

Vodafone Australia won’t charge its users for using the DreamLab app over its own network, but those not connected to it or Wi-Fi will use small amounts of data, which will be charged for under your normal plan. The official page warns that roaming charges will apply to its customers if they start using the app abroad.

It’s not the first app of its type, with Folding@Home by Sony Mobile offering similar functionality, and Apple’s ResearchKit uses data from the millions of iPhone users to try and gain more analytical breakthroughs in medical research, rather than target focus groups.

David Curry
Former Digital Trends Contributor
David has been writing about technology for several years, following the latest trends and covering the largest events. He is…
It looks like the big Galaxy S24 One UI 7 update is about to restart
The welcome screen for One UI 7 on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

If you’ve got a Samsung Galaxy S24 in your hand, then it’s time to start checking the software update page again, as it appears the much-delayed One UI 7 update has restarted in South Korea. It means there’s a strong chance it will also be sent out to global Galaxy S24-series phones in the near future. 

Samsung phone owners will be aware of how much hassle the One UI 7 update has been for the brand’s top 2024 smartphones. Not only has it been a long-time coming — One UI 7 arrived with the Galaxy S25 in January — but when it did eventually arrive last week, a serious flaw related to locking and unlocking the phone was discovered and the update was abruptly stopped. 

Read more
Android 16 is finally expanding beyond Google Pixel phones
Android 16 logo on Google Pixel 6a held in hand.

The next major build of Android has reached a handful of new milestones, ahead of its public release. Google has just started the rollout of Android 16’s fourth beta update, reaching the second platform stability. 

Developers who have optimized their apps to target Android 16 can now ship their updates via the Google Play Store. The latest beta update is also the near-final version, as all the app behaviours and background functionalities have been finalized. 

Read more
TORRAS Ostand Air Case deal: save 15% for Earth Day
The iPhones with Ostands, one red, one green, and one purple.

Earth Day is almost here, and TORRAS is making it even easier to celebrate sustainably without sacrificing style. From April 18 to April 25, you can score 15% off the TORRAS Ostand Air Case (available for iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max) when you use code ostand321 at checkout. It's the perfect time to refresh your phone case with something that blends innovation, protection, and nature-inspired design.

Why the TORRAS Ostand Air Stands Out
Light as air but strong as a rock, the Ostand Air is designed for people who want serious protection without the usual bulk. The case features AirMax Cushioning with a dual airbag system, offering 360-degree drop protection. Four-corner core airbags and independent side airbags work together to absorb shocks from drops, bumps, and rough terrain. Whether you're hiking a rocky trail or just navigating a packed commute, those airbags deliver real peace of mind.

Read more