Apple is pouring more efforts into research for a particular product that reports are calling the Smart Ring. These reports are saying this could be a device the company plans to make for Apple AR.
Apple is Working on a 'Computer System with Finger Devices'
Just like the Wave for Work by Genki, the Apple ring is expected to allow users to take control of multiple things. According to the story by Apple Insider, the Cupertino giant is quite the fan of augmented reality (AR) and the ring could be a step forward into that space.
The company has just filed two particular patents regarding smart rings and how they are made. One of the patents filed has already been granted and holds the description "computer systems with finger devices."
Patent Points Towards the Functionality of the Supposed Smart Ring
Another patent was filed regarding how the Smart Ring is expected to work or function. The two patents go hand in hand and describe what Apple Insider called a Smart Ring.
Apple described how the playing field for AR and VR could be more different from regular computers. Regular computers can be controlled by a computer mouse or other input accessories while with AR and VR, users would have to have something a little different.
Apple Points Out the Inconvenience of Using Gloves
The company also described how gloves can be inconvenient for users to use when trying to control certain actions through AR or VR technology. The patent reportedly proposes a "finger device housing" which includes a few interesting features.
Proposed Sensors for 'Finger Device Housing':
Force Sensors
Inertial Measurement Units
Ultrasonic Sensors
Optical Sensors
Smart Ring Could be Used to Control an AR Virtual Keyboard
The statement also mentioned "other sensors" meaning the ones mentioned above might not be the only ones that Apple plans to add to a potential "Smart Ring" in the future. As further explained, "finger devices may be used in gathering finger input."
The article by Apple Insider notes that if there will be an AR virtual keyboard in front of the user, a ring finger would be able to record typing movements and the system could interpret what the users would want to type based on motion.
Read Also: Apple Plans to Release a New iPad Air With A14 Bionic Chip, 5G Support, and USB-C Connectivity
Charging for the Smart Ring Could be Done Wirelessly
As per the article, the Cupertino giant is still basically studying how users will be using the smart ring and also what the smart rings would do when users are not using them. Another important issue is how to charge the smart rings as well.
As per the patent, "the base may have wireless power circuitry to wirelessly charge the finger device" making it more convenient for users instead of having to plug the smart ring to a charger using a very small port (one that would fit on the device."
Related Article: Apple Watch Gets Parkinson's Tracker App Cleared by the FDA
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Urian B.
