Apple Watch Could Identify Bands to Launch Apps and Alter Settings, Patent Suggests

Apple Watch may achieve the flexibility to determine a watch band when it’s modified and modify settings or customise the consumer interface sooner or later, based on a newly granted patent. The Cupertino firm’s patent describes a system that may determine particular bands and reply by performing a selected operate. In the meantime, the patent additionally describes a system that may assist an Apple Watch proprietor monitor how lengthy they use particular straps. The corporate is but to announce plans to brings these options to the Apple Watch.

A brand new patent granted to Apple (by way of AppleInsider) on Tuesday describes a function that permits an digital system to determine a selected watch strap after which reply by performing particular features — together with modifying the settings on the Apple Watch, or customising its consumer interface. The newly granted patent is assigned to Apple and credited to Timothy Johnson, Distinguished Engineer on the firm.

The patent describes completely different strategies to determine a watch band
Photograph Credit score: US Patent Workplace/ Apple

The patent additionally mentions the detection of an “identification aspect” will enable the digital system (Apple Watch) to carry out an motion related to that accent. These actions can differ from displaying a selected message or alert to beginning a timer and speaking with one other gadget — assuming the wearable system affords help for these options.

With the intention to uncover and determine an Apple Watch band, the patent suggests reflecting mild — infrared or seen — emitted from the again of the wearable system, off an identification aspect with a selected sample that can be utilized to recognise the strap. It’s at present unclear whether or not these identification options can be supported on third celebration watch straps for the Apple Watch.

The method begins with scanning for a band and ends with the motion
Photograph Credit score: US Patent Workplace/ Apple

One other methodology talked about within the patent is the scanning of a QR code that’s particular to a selected watch band that helps the system determine the accent. This might robotically set off an motion, or launch an app or begin a exercise, or begin a timer, based mostly on the kind of strap that’s hooked up to the smartwatch.

Except for performing duties when linked to an Apple Watch, the patent additionally suggests a mechanism that may enable an Apple Watch to trace utilization of various bands and supply statistics similar to length of use and related actions, which may give wearers extra insights on their wrist.

Whereas the patent for watch band identification has been granted to Apple, it’s value noting that the corporate has not but introduced any plans to brings these options to the Apple Watch. They might presumably debut on a future wearable from the corporate — such because the successors to the Apple Watch Sequence 8 which can be anticipated to reach later this yr.