Apple could well be working on earbuds 2.0, which will be health-focused and tout "head gesture" controls.
On Tuesday, February 18, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted Apple a patent for a head-mounted monitoring system, which will be capable of detecting sensitive data like perspiration levels, temperature and heart rate. Moreover, the device can be controlled via an individual's head movements.
The patent called "Sports monitoring system for headphones, earbuds and/or headsets" describes how the device will be able to track an individual's health and fitness levels, all based on how he/she moves their head.
"The invention pertains to a monitoring system that can be placed proximate to the head or ear of a user. According to one embodiment, the monitoring system can be used with a hearing device, headphones, earbuds or headsets. The monitoring system can, for example, be used to monitor user activity, such as during exercise or sporting activities. The positioning of the monitoring system can also facilitate sensing of other user characteristics (e.g., biometric data), such as temperature, perspiration and heart rate," notes the Apple patent.
Apple originally filed for the patent in 2008. According to the patent, the monitoring system would be embedded in the earbuds, as well as headphones, which users commonly use during workouts. The sensor would measure fitness metrics and the information would then be synced to the iOS device via a headphone or wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Per the patent, apart from skin-based readings, Apple may imbibe an accelerometer into the chassis of the earbud to facilitate the gathering of precise movement data.
However, the patent does not reveal how the perspiration levels, heart rate and temperature data is gathered.
Speculation has been rife that Apple is focusing more on health and fitness with its impending iOS 8. Reports have suggested that iOS 8 could bring with it a new app called "Healthbook," which will track a user's activity data over a period of time.
Apple is synonymous with innovation and with earbuds 2.0 being reportedly set to incorporate "head gesture" controls and be health-focused, iDevice users will have something novel to look forward to if the patent does materialize.
