Apple patents smart necklace and key ring
Miscellaneous / / November 17, 2021
These could be hybrid devices for activity tracking and augmented reality control.
Apple already makes AirPods and Apple Watch, but it looks like it plans to expand its range of wearables in the future. And it's not just about the future augmented reality helmet: according to the new patentThe company is considering releasing "smart rings" that can be worn around the neck, wrist, or even a key ring.
The patent says: “An electronic device can be in the form of a loop, tape or thread that can be tied to a person, animal or object <...> can be worn on the user's wrist or neck <...> and used to collect information about a person or object to which an electronic device".
The last phrase refers to activity data, geolocation and biometric data. In this case, the same device "can be used for data output (tactile output, audio output and / or visual output) "- in other words, to warn the user about new notifications and other data. Several possible form factors are described, each of which is designed to be compact and lightweight.
The gadget also "can be used as a beacon or visual marker in an augmented or virtual reality system." But these are not all of its capabilities: it can be part of a system that allows the user to interact with elements of augmented reality.
"For example, the user can swing his left hand to move the visual content to the left, or select a visual in the field of view by clicking on it." In other words, perhaps we can talk about a gadget that will combine the functions of a fitness tracker and an augmented reality controller.
So far, we are only talking about a patent, so it's not safe to say that Apple will actually release such gadgets. But with the company investing heavily in virtual and augmented reality, the development of accompanying accessories is not surprising at all.
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