“Apple could hit the world of wearable devices with a smart ring, at least if a recently-published patent application ever rings true with an actual product,” Lance Whitney writes for CNET. “A patent filing called “Devices and Methods for a Ring Computing Device” published on Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office imagines a wearable device that you’d wear on your finger instead of your wrist. ”
“Apple’s invention of a smart ring would include features already part of the Apple Watch,” Whitney writes. “The ring would offer a small display, a built-in microphone and camera, motion sensors and haptic feedback to provide vibrations and other sensations in response to certain tasks. You would communicate with the ring using taps and touch gestures as well as speech input. A biometric sensor could even detect how you hold or position your hand. For example, extending or curling up your ring finger could trigger a certain command, while making a fist with your hand would trigger a different command.”
MacDailyNews Note: Apple Watch does not contain a camera.
“Apple’s smart ring could control other devices such as a smart TV, a set-top box such as an Apple TV, a computer, tablet, smart home appliance and even the audio or entertainment system in your car,” Whitney writes. “One intriguing concept involves two people, both of whom are wearing the smart ring. By shaking hands, the two could exchange messages, information and even money with each other.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: One of the most sublime experiences that Apple Watch offers is a seemingly simple one: controlling your Apple TV via the Remote app. It’s intuitive, accurate and easy. If Apple can deliver similar experiences with an “Apple Ring,” we’ll be first in line.
SEE ALSO:
Apple invents ring computing device with voice control, haptics, cameras and more – October 1, 2015
Apple patent application reveals sensor-laden ‘Apple Ring’ – October 1, 2015
Apple’s entry into wearable computing: iRing, not iWatch? – March 20, 2014
Without Apple to lead the way, current crop of clumsy wearable gadgets not ready for prime time – January 10, 2014
Analyst: Apple to release full-blown, ‘iRing’-controlled, carrier-subsidized ‘iTV’ television this holiday season – June 5, 2013
Analyst: Apple ‘iTV’ with ‘mini iTV’ and ‘iRing’ motion controller to launch this year – April 3, 2013
Next up Apple shoelace! Controls the Apple ring… MDN, did this accidentally get here from your spam folder?
One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them. Apple will rule us all. HA HA.
Fanboys won’t be happy until Apple implants a chip in their cranium.
Scary
All part of the plan. Those on the far right will know exactly what I’m talking about.
One ring to rule them all…
…And in the digital age bind them?
Who is Lord Sauron?
Will the rings be forged in the vats of Silicon Valley?
How many rings will be given to the tech lords?
Enquiring minds want to know!
Of course: first idea to come in mind… Yet, it’s Apple, not Google… 😉
This has a nice ring to it!
In brightest day,
In blackest night…
Maybe use it on the middle finger to salute so-called analysts and make them disappear.
Make it brass knuckles and me a da boys will get plenty.
The PRECIOUS!
The $17,000 diamond and gold Ring Edition will be used as an engagement ring.
Honestly, I would guess this would be an input device for the VR headset that Apple also has patented. The location of the placement on the finger is not one that would be used for all-day use. It’s more for specific activities. I’m guessing it’s a lot like Oculus Touch, but more Apple-like.
Fellas… it’s a short slide down that slippery slope to other “body friendly” accessories, if you take my inference.
Apple spaceship campus is ring shaped… coincidence ??? I think not. The new campus is the one ring to rule them all.
For fun, you might want to search for the Java Ring that was released by Sun Computers, all the way back in 1998.
Went to a Freescale seminar on Thursday and the keynote was about wearables and the featured wearable was a ring. Electronics are small enough. The challenge is the battery.
This was being talked about in 2013. An iRing as a remote control for Apple TV. This seems like a perfectly plausible role for a smart ring and would fit in with Apple’s way of doing things.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tech/news/a470586/apple-itv-to-come-with-iring-controller-second-screen-report.html#~ppXZod6kRhCY8F