There is a quite a bit of speculation going on in the world of wearables as the United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted Apple a patent on a new device. The device is called iTime and many believe it is the latest piece of evidence that Apple has a smartwatch in the works.
Android Wear and other wearables have already begun to spring into the market, but many wonder what Apple will bring to the table. Rumors and speculation fill online discussion and rhetoric in the world of wearable technology. Will the so-called iTime be Apple's contribution to the smartwatch market?
According to a recent report, Apple was granted the patent after submitting an application and a diagram of their design. The patent office has approved the patent, but the patent documents do not provide any concrete details of Apple's design.
The device, as the report describes, can communicate with another device. The display may also be romoved from the wristband and can be used while detached. It could communiate with a computer, tablet or phone, according to the source.
According to yet another source, the iTime device filing was made in 2011. A diagram is available and it seems iTime will at least resemble a wristwatch, even if it is not considered a smartwatch. It is referred to in documents as a "wrist-worn electronic device."
The source also points out the popularized term, iWatch, may not be used. Then again, the patent award does not mean that either name will necessarily be chosen.
The iTime will also implement sensors, according to these reports. As one source points out, the company made most of its reference to "wristband" in the filing, and emphasized that more than "watch" or even "smartwatch." This is likely because Apple will develop several smartwatches and/or wearables.
Also according to a source, Apple has also applied to trademark the term, iWatch. The public awareness of the iWatch name is already fairly high and the name is a surefire way to stay brand-consistent across products the company sells such as iPad, iPhone, iCould, etc.
