Apple invents ‘smart ring’ that lets you control your iPhone without even touching it
APPLE has filed a patent for "a wearable electronic ring" that could let you control your other devices without touching them.
The design for the finger ring includes a touchscreen, voice command, hand gesture control and more.
Apple's patent is titled "Devices, methods, and user interfaces for a wearable electronic ring computing device."
It includes drawings of the potential design and lists intended features like a rechargeable power source and a wireless transceiver.
The ring is designed to be worn on one finger and doesn't appear to be a standalone product.
Instead it aims to improve the user experience of bigger devices like iPhone and iPad.
Apple explains in the patent that touchscreen devices can be seen as "cumbersome, inconvenient, or inefficient for certain tasks and applications."
It suggests that holding an iPhone of iPad for too long could fatigue some users and says the Apple Ring could be a more efficient way to control those devices from a distance.
Apple also highlights the potential safety features of the ring by stating that the light given off by some touchscreen devices could be "inappropriate in certain social environments or even dangerous if it gives away the position of a threatened user."
The tech giant believes that in a dangerous situation the ring device could be a safer and more discreet way for a consumer to get help.
Apple isn't alone with this 'smart ring' idea.
Amazon recently revealed the Echo Loop, a smart ring that uses Alexa.
The device is similar to the smart speaker but is wrapped around your finger instead.
It's currently only available in the US and has an introductory price of $129.99 (£100).
Other tech giants are also jumping on the hands-free bandwagon.
Google recently launched its Pixel 4 smartphone and one of the top new features is called Project Soli, which provides a 'Motion Sense' effect.
It works using radar, and lets you control the Pixel 4 without actually touching it.
You can wave your hands in the air to pause or skip songs, silence alarms and phone calls, and more.
As with all patents, we can't know for sure if Apple is going to bring out a smart ring device until official word is given.
If the ring is intended to be an accessory for other wearable devices like the rumoured Apple Glasses then current predictions suggest it could be launching around 2020.
Apple is likely to bring out more wearable products to build on its current successes as Apple Watch is the most popular smartwatch in the world and AirPods are one of the best-selling earphone devices.
Apple AirPods 2 review – The Sun's verdict
Here's what tech editor Sean Keach had to say...
- The AirPods are a masterclass in design: they look great, they work flawlessly and they make your life easier.
- If you’re moving from regular cabled earbuds to AirPods, you’ll never want to go back.
- I found the fit to be tight and secure even when running, and – despite my initial fears – I’ve never managed to lose one.
- Battery life is better than ever, the new wireless charging is pretty handy (although the £40 upgrade won’t be for everyone), and hands-free Hey Siri is a useful feature if you’re brave enough to use it.
- The AirPods 2 are attainably priced, retain all the best bits from the beloved original buds, and offer some minor upgrades to boot.
- They're probably not worth an upgrade from the original AirPods unless (1) your old ones have dead batteries, (2) you're a wireless charging fanatic, or (3) you're an Apple obsessive.
- But for newcomers and gadget lovers, I can't recommend the new AirPods enough.
- The Sun says: The ultimate earbuds for iPhone owners, these easy-to-love headphones are the simplest way to upgrade your audio game today. ★★★★★
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In other news, Google has just revealed new gadgets including new Pixel phones, a voice-controlled laptop and an improved Nest Mini smart speaker.
PS4 owners can now play all their games on Android smartphones from anywhere.
And, Amazon has unveiled a new Kindle Kids Edition with parental controls and special protective case.
Would you wear a Apple 'smart ring'? Let us know in the comments!
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