Apple Watch Might Determine Bands to Launch Apps and Alter Settings, Patent Suggests

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

A new patent granted to Apple (by way of AppleInsider) on Tuesday describes a function that permits an digital gadget to determine a specific 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
Photo Credit: US Patent Office/ Apple

The patent additionally mentions the detection of an “identification element” will permit the digital gadget (Apple Watch) to carry out an motion related to that accent. These actions can fluctuate from displaying a particular message or alert to beginning a timer and speaking with one other gadget — assuming the wearable gadget gives assist for these options.

In order to find and determine an Apple Watch band, the patent suggests reflecting mild — infrared or seen — emitted from the again of the wearable gadget, off an identification component with a particular sample that can be utilized to recognise the strap. It is presently unclear whether or not these identification options might be supported on third occasion watch straps for the Apple Watch.

The course of begins with scanning for a band and ends with the motion
Photo Credit: US Patent Office/ Apple

Another methodology talked about within the patent is the scanning of a QR code that’s particular to a specific watch band that helps the gadget determine the accent. This might robotically 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.

Aside from performing duties when linked to an Apple Watch, the patent additionally suggests a mechanism that can permit an Apple Watch to trace utilization of various bands and supply statistics akin to period of use and related actions, which might give wearers extra insights on their wrist.

While 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 presumably debut on a future wearable from the corporate — such because the successors to the Apple Watch Series 8 which might be anticipated to reach later this yr.