Check Out Apple’s Ridiculous Patent for Adding a Camera to the Apple Watch

Since its launching back in 2015 , Apple has been steadily tote up new sensors and features to the Apple Watch . The first fashion model had a built - in heart and soul rate sensing element , the Apple Watch Series 2 tacked on GPS , whilethe Series 3was the first version to have true cellular connectivity . Most latterly , Apple added an ECG proctor tothe Apple Watch Series 4 , and based ona new patentgranted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office , Apple ai n’t done yet .

Inthe filing(discovered by9to5Mac ) , it seems Apple has thought up a path to add together a camera to the Apple Watch , but not exactly in the way you might imagine . or else of taking the loose itinerary and only shoehorning a camera sensing element and genus Lens onto the Apple Watch ’s squircle - influence case , Apple has drawn up architectural plan for a photographic camera that sits on the end of an Apple Watch dance orchestra , and utilize a hidden optical cable buried inside the band to direct image datum back to the watch .

As Apple describes in its letters patent software , the logical thinking behind this plan is that “ A potential roadblock to smartwatch adoption is their minimum trope - capture ability . ” So by putting a television camera on the remainder of a watch band that can be freely positioned and line up unlike a television camera that ’s attached to the side of the ticker vitrine , a lookout man like the one shown in the filing “ can supplant or at least meaningfully augment a user ’s existing tv camera or tv camera - enabled twist ( e.g. , smartphone , pad ) . ”

Illustration: (Apple (via the USPTO)

By adding a photographic camera to the Apple Watch , Apple could get one step nearer to make a true standalone wearable that would allow drug user to leave their telephone set at abode , but without losing any major feature .

The television camera is also quite alone in that it appears to use a two - sided camera that could allow substance abuser to capture traditional photograph and selfies with very little exertion , or possibly even full 360 - degree videos . And when you ’re not out consider pictures with your scout , the tv camera could simply be wrap up against your radiocarpal joint along with the rest of the watch band . It ’s a rather elegant solution for sum a television camera to a watch , whichotherwise incline to be a pretty bulky proposition .

That say , before we get all giddy about a patent filing , I have to ask : Is having a photographic camera on a smartwatch something people really want ? Sure , it ’s a nice idea in possibility , but a television camera build up into a sentry band will almost for certain have significantly bad image character than what you ’d get on a phone . Also , while the band on Apple ’s television camera watch looks pretty slight in the patent of invention instance , it will unavoidably be much thicker in substantial life .

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When it’s not in use, the camera could be wrapped up so that it lies flat against the watch’s band.Illustration: (Apple (via the USPTO)

https://gizmodo.com/this-bendy-smartphone-watch-hybrid-actually-isnt-as-sil-1832930737

Then there ’s the cost to consider , because by incorporate sensing element and optical wires into the band , not only are Apple Watch bands go to get a lot more expensive , it could require Apple to plan an all - fresh dance orchestra attachment system to accommodate a connection for the television camera . Neither of those things will be garish to create .

Finally , there ’s just the whole awkwardness of trying to take picture with a watch . You ’ll have to use one hand to raise the camera into attitude , while you apply your other hand to adjust the view , all while holding both sleeve out in the air . Just thinking about that scenario lay down my arms tired . Multiple smartwatch makers let in Samsung and LG have try building cameras into smartwatches before but ended up ditching the tech because it ’s annoying and ungainly .

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Illustration: (Apple (via the USPTO)

The only fashion I really see this workings is if Apple ’s camera technical school is relegated to being an optional feature on a mellow - end Apple Watch , while the normal model does without it . And even then , I still find it hard to imagine that a lot of people would be unforced to compensate an extra $ 100 or $ 200 ( or more ) to get a tv camera that ’s attach to their Apple Watch .

Kudos to Apple for thinking up something bold and advanced . But the actual heavy part is still in the lead of them . Because while the patent seems peachy , executing on that design wo n’t be prosperous .

AppleApple PatentsApple WatchpatentsSmartwatcheswearables

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