[* black] Before we get into the nitty gritty of things, let's understand what a gyroscope actually does.
[* black] According to [link|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyroscope|Wikipedia's definition], "A gyroscope is a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, based on the principles of conservation of angular momentum." The key phrase is ''measuring or maintaining orientation'', which is the exact reason an iPhone 4 contains one of these gizmos.
[* black] A mechanical gyroscope - like the one shown on the left - uses a spinning rotor in the center to detect changes in orientation. The iPhone 4, ont he other hand, contains a [link|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibrating_structure_gyroscope|vibrational] gyroscope. [* [* black] The iPhone 4 utilizes ana microscopic, electronic version of a vibrating[link|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibrating_structure_gyroscope|vibrational] gyroscope, called a [link|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mems_gyroscope|MEMS gyroscope].
[* black] A mechanical gyroscope - like the one shown on the left - uses a spinning rotor in the center to detect changes in orientation. The iPhone 4, ont he other hand, contains a [link|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibrating_structure_gyroscope|vibrational] gyroscope. [* [* black] The iPhone 4 utilizes ana microscopic, electronic version of a vibrating[link|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibrating_structure_gyroscope|vibrational] gyroscope, called a [link|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mems_gyroscope|MEMS gyroscope].