(1) Using some form of, or a greater amount of, electronic processing in a device. For example, "active 3D" glasses contain circuits that constantly synchronize with the monitor in contrast to "passive 3D" glasses that perform no processing. Active matrix displays have a transistor for each subpixel in contrast to their passive matrix counterpart, which uses far fewer transistors. See
active 3D and
active matrix. Contrast with
passive.
(2) Physically involved in work or athletic endeavors. For example, Samsung phones designed for rugged activities are branded as Galaxy Active devices. See
Galaxy S.