Patent application reveals Apple’s ‘iTime’ smartwatch

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jul/22/patent-application-reveals-apples-itime-smartwatch

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Apple’s new patent for a “wrist-worn electronic device” resembles an iPod nano strapped to the wrist, detailed illustrations reveal.

The patent documents an “iTime” wearable device that has small touchscreen device and can be docked into a wrist strap turning it into a smartwatch, connecting to an iPhone, iPad or computer to access information and receive alerts.

The touchscreen module can be removed from the strap and used independently, precisely like an iPod nano (which Apple specifies in the patent). The patent also references a thinner, fully integrated smartwatch design much like the new LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live Android Wear devices.

The patent application was filed in 2011, published by the US patent office today and spotted by technology site AppleInsider.

A smart strap filled with extra gadgets

Apple describes how the watch strap could contain “additional circuitry” to add functionality to docked touchscreen, providing things like a heart rate monitor, an accelerometer for motion tracking, a GPS receiver or vibrating alerts.

The company describes how arm movement gestures could be used to control the smartwatch instead of having to resort to swipes or taps on the touchscreen.

“The gesture might be a horizontal movement for one user input option (eg decline incoming call), and might be a vertical movement for another user input option (eg accept incoming call),” Apple said in the patent filing.

Taps, bounces and shakes are also suggested as suitable gestures for commanding the smartwatch.

Apple has long been expected to release an “iWatch” to partner with its iPhone, applying for trademarks in July 2013 and readying for mass production this July. The company’s next iPhone, due to be unveiled in September could see a smartwatch announced alongside it.

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