Apple’s innovative foray into the wearable technology market took a leap forward with the introduction of AirTags in 2021. These small tracking devices became a hit among Apple enthusiasts, allowing them to easily locate their belongings. Now, Apple is once again pushing boundaries by working on a new type of AirTag called the ‘Wearable Tag,’ according to a recently discovered patent application in Europe.
The Patented Tag would incorporate a variety of Sensors for tracking
The Wearable Tag, as described by Apple in the patent application, is designed to be placed on different parts of a user’s body or clothing and is intended for various health-related functions. The possibilities are vast, ranging from posture monitoring and sun exposure tracking to physical therapy assistance, fall detection, and fitness/activity tracking. The Wearable Tag would incorporate different sensors depending on the specific health-related function it is being used for, ensuring accurate and comprehensive data collection.
The patent application reveals that users would be able to configure and control the Wearable Tag through an electronic device, such as an iPhone. This device would not only determine the location of the tag on the user’s body but also allow users to select their desired health-related function. The Wearable Tag would then gather sensor data and relay it to the electronic device for analysis and feedback.
Apple’s patent illustrations offer a glimpse into the possibilities of the Wearable Tag. One image showcases a system consisting of multiple wearable tags and electronic devices. These tags can be worn on various body parts, such as the wrist, arm, finger, neck, waist, ankle, or other suitable areas, and communicate with devices like iPhones, Apple Watches, and iPads.
The patent further reveals the design of the Wearable Tag itself. It features a housing that can be made of different materials, including plastic, glass, ceramics, metal, fabric, or a combination of these. This versatility allows for a comfortable and customizable user experience.
Apple’s vision for the Wearable Tag extends beyond individual use cases. In one illustration, multiple tags are placed all over a user’s body, enabling full-body motion tracking. This comprehensive tracking capability could find applications in physical therapy, dancing, fitness tracking, sports training, and more.
While the recently published European patent application bears Apple’s name as the applicant, it’s worth noting that the patent itself dates back to 2020 and was filed under the names of Apple‘s engineers to maintain secrecy. Once the patent is granted, Apple’s name will officially appear on the U.S. patent as well.
Apple’s exploration of the Wearable Tag concept signals the company’s commitment to expanding the capabilities of wearable technology beyond simple tracking. By integrating health-related functionalities into their devices, Apple aims to empower users to monitor and improve their well-being in innovative ways. The company also recently collaborated with Google to prevent stalkers from quietly tracking people using AirTags. As always, the true potential of Apple’s inventions will be unveiled once they make their way from patents to actual products.
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(Via)
