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

Apple Watch might acquire the power to establish a watch band when it’s modified and modify settings or customise the person interface sooner or later, in response to a newly granted patent. The Cupertino firm’s patent describes a system that may establish particular bands and reply by performing a selected perform. 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 new patent granted to Apple (via AppleInsider) on Tuesday describes a function that enables an digital system to establish a specific watch strap after which reply by performing particular capabilities — together with modifying the settings on the Apple Watch, or customising its person 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 establish a watch band
Photograph Credit score: US Patent Workplace/ Apple

The patent additionally mentions the detection of an “identification component” will enable the digital system (Apple Watch) to carry out an motion related to that accent. These actions can fluctuate 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 establish an Apple Watch band, the patent suggests reflecting gentle — infrared or seen — emitted from the again of the wearable system, off an identification component with a selected sample that can be utilized to recognise the strap. It’s at the moment 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 specific watch band that helps the system establish the accent. This might mechanically set off an motion, or launch an app or begin a exercise, or begin a timer, primarily based on the kind of strap that’s hooked up to the smartwatch.

Other than performing duties when related to an Apple Watch, the patent additionally suggests a mechanism that can enable an Apple Watch to trace utilization of various bands and supply statistics comparable to length of use and related actions, which might give wearers further insights on their wrist.

Whereas the patent for watch band identification has been granted to Apple, it’s price noting that the corporate has not but introduced any plans to brings these options to the Apple Watch. They might probably debut on a future wearable from the corporate — such because the successors to the Apple Watch Collection 8 which might be anticipated to reach later this 12 months.