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Smartwatch Band

Smartwatch Band

Smartwatch band.

Apple iWatch Bezel, Band User Interface

March 24, 2013 //  by Jon Mentor

Apple was recently granted a patent for “sensing capacitance changes of a housing of an electronic device.” As Apple loves to make gadgets out of metal, this new squeeze-metal technology could easily be applicable to the entirety of their product line. However, the ability to use a device’s housing as a user interface would be particularly beneficial to a device too small to receive user input through traditional methods … such as an iWatch. Does this revelation mean that Apple is entering the smartwatch market? Read on to find out …


On March 5, 2013, Apple was granted USPTO patent number 8,390,481 that covers apparatuses that can measure a user’s interaction with the device’s housing.  An interesting and novel addition to the claim is that the housing is capable of being temporarily deformed by the the user’s touch, the pressure of which will be measured, quantified, and turned into commands.  This touch technology is a break from the norm where a user’s interaction is typically measured by the electrical characteristics of his finger.

Apple’s new squeeze-metal technology could enhance the user interfaces for most of its product line from Thunderbolt displays to iPods and iPhones.  However, such technology would also be extremely useful on a product too diminutive to employ traditional methods for measuring user interaction.  As rumors swirl of Apple’s development of a smartwatch, squeeze-metal technology seems particularly well-suited for use as an iWatch bezel.

Current smartwatch manufactures employ traditional pushbuttons to give users limited control over their smart watches and, thereby, over their smartphones.  However, such technology is dated and uninspired and does not provide the amount of control desired by a population besieged by smart devices.  In addition, the face of a smartwatch is just too small for effective implementation of a touchscreen, especially for men with large fingers.  Accordingly, Apple’s squeeze-metal tech may be just the answer the smartwatch industry is looking for to enhance the user experience.  By integrating the user interface into a bendable iWatch bezel, the device will not only measure the “0” or “1”, on or off of user interaction as with a pushbutton, but will provide data as to the degree  and direction of  pressure as well.  This allow Apple to offer the user much greater control over the iWatch and corresponding Bluetooth connected iPhone.  And, such technology is not limited only to the bezel on a smartwatch but could also be easily incorporated into it’s band, especially in the case of a flexible slap bracelet.

Apple iWatch Concept 3

It seems that almost daily a new iWatch rumor hits the presses.  Lately, there has been much to support these predictions in the form of patent filings, component vendor interview slip-ups, and tales of developers hard at work on the wrist-borne wearable computer.  Such fodder typically fans the flames of Apple rumor mongers and fanboys eager to peak behind the curtain obscuring the “one more thing” from view.  Nonetheless, one thing is for sure: there is a lot of interesting new tech about to hit the market … and it may just end up on your wrist in the form of an iWatch.


Source

Apple iWatch: [Company Website]

Category: SmartwatchesTag: Apple Watch, Smartwatch Band, Smartwatch Bezel, Smartwatch Patent

Apple iWatch Band Patent, A “Slap Bracelet”

February 22, 2013 //  by Jon Mentor

The US Patent and Trademark Office has published new Apple patent application #20130044215 for what appears to be an Apple iWatch that resembles a smartwatch slap bracelet. Does this new evidence support current iWatch rumor frenzy or does it represent an different product entirely? The timing is interesting to say the least … as is the newly disclosed technology.


The Apple patent application, assumably detailing Apple’s rumored iWatch, describes the new technology as a “wearable video device” that contains a flexible display, an integrated circuit for driving the flexible display, a processor, RAM, ROM, a wireless communications antenna, a speaker, a battery, and a data and power connector. And, it appears to be neatly wrapped up in a flexible printed circuit board. Well, I have to say, that sure sounds like the much anticipated Apple iWatch to me.

As I have opined in several articles discussing iWatch rumors, I believe the biggest hurdle to iWatch implementation is not processor or display technology, but rather the power supply … how can Apple stuff an adequately sized battery into such a diminutive device so that constant recharging does not diminish the user experience? Apparently, Apple has come up with an answer. Apple’s patent application claims power to the smartwatch will be delivered via a rechargeable battery possessing three replenishing modes: 1) an array of mini solar panels located on the surface of the band, 2) trickle charging accomplished using a kinetic energy gathering component that is “similar to those found on some wristwatches”, and 3) a standard power connector. Therefore, if you stand outside in the sun swinging your arm in circles, you will not need to plug it in.

Apple iWatch Band Patent 2

The Apple patent application states that the smartwatch user interface will appear in the form of a touchscreen. Having used the clunky four-button UI of the new Pebble E-Paper Watch, a touchscreen interface will be most welcome. However, on such a small screen, won’t tactile input be severely hampered? Obviously, the interface will not be as sophisticated as on the iPhone, but Apple is the master of the graphical user interface so I am sure they have wrestled this problem into submission. Most likely, the screen will be divided into four touch sensitive quadrants, which would give the iWatch four virtual buttons, equal to the number of Pebble’s four physical.

According to the filing, the smartwatch is designed to communicate with a portable electric device (read iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini) via a two-way wireless link. Although the patent application specifically mentions 5GHz 802.11n wifi, I assume that Bluetooth connectivity will also be implemented into the unit via a dual radio.

Apple iWatch Band Patent 3

This filing definitely comes as a surprise. Although the Apple iWatch has been highly anticipated and discussed, mainstream smartwatch technology clairvoyants predicted a more substantial device similar to iPod Nanos that have been encased in watchbands by third party accessory vendors. Well, it appears that Apple’s team of Imagineers have something completely different up their sleeves ready to be the next “One More Thing.” The Apple iSlap iWatch … coming soon! Maybe …

Apple iWatch Band Patent 4


Source

Apple iWatch: [Company Website]

Category: SmartwatchesTag: Apple Watch, for iPhone, Smartwatch Band, Smartwatch Patent

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