In order to prepare for the future and the new technologies to come, the apple brand would work on rings capable of detecting the user’s gestures.
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The idea of the smart ring is nothing new. There are already many models with different specificities. Nevertheless, Apple’s project looks somewhat different from what currently exists.
The idea would be to have controllers on the fingers resembling those of a virtual reality solution like the Oculus Rift, but more compact. If the usefulness of such a product may seem unclear, there is no doubt that in the future, the device could become almost essential with the rise of augmented reality.
The interest of a connected ring
Nowadays, almost all objects exist in a connected version: the coffee machine, the refrigerator, watches and even some toothbrushes. So what is the point of a connected ring?
The current models are equipped with technologies classic to this type of product. You can find a Bluetooth connection, an NFC chip for contactless payment, a vibrator to inform you of an incoming notification and possibly an accelerometer to capture a simple gesture and trigger any command.
In the end, this is a lighter and more compact version of what classic connected watches offer. So why would a manufacturer like Apple that has a successful watch be interested in this sector unknown to the general public?
A different approach
The system the Cupertino company is working on seems to consist of a pair of rings instead of just one (although a single use is possible according to the patent). Its function would not be to notify you or replace a smartwatch, but rather tooffer a new way to control your applications.
By an electromagnetic measurement system, the rings would be able to detect an object such as the Apple Pencil and offer additional options to the accessory. If the use with a smartphone alone does not seem really relevant, it is with the Apple Glasses supposed to be released this year that the rings could reveal their full potential.
The advantage of an augmented reality system is to be able to have a whole lot of information in the visual field. However, there remains the problem of controlling this information. Some manufacturers opt for proximity and laser sensors to detect your hands like a Kinect would. This is the case, for example, with Samsung for the Pro version of the project under development. However, the addition of this type of sensor necessarily has an impact on the size and the price.
The apple brand therefore seems to be working on a remote control as on current VR headsets, but in a more compact format and more practical on a daily basis. Obviously, the filing of a patent does not necessarily include the release of a product and there is no information of a potential date.
However, if the product were to come out, it would be interesting to see people equip themselves with their double rings, make a few hand circles to open a dimensional portal launch the GPS to their next meeting point.
Source : ubergizmo
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