The wearable Apple watches could change faces based on which accessory you’ve slipped on or off, according to a patent.
Imagine changing out a hot pink Apple watches band for an earth-tone green one and having your watch face automatically change to the same color, eliminating the tedious (but necessary) manual customization process. Patently Apple spotted a patent filing describing a wearable bands that have NFC chips, allowing the watch to automatically take action when certain accessories connected or removed.
While the fact that Apple patents something does not necessarily mean that we will soon get it, it does show that the company is working on some pretty fun things. Besides changing up the color palette when you attach the band, the patent says the system could launch a fitness app when you attach an athletic-style band or turn on a water purging sound when you take off a swim band.
This could make it a bit more reliable than using another standard, like Bluetooth. The company also suggests that NFC could be used to communicate with components built into the band, such as extra sensors and even displays.
It’s conceivable that none of these features will ever materialise. But, the company has a lot of elements for this in place. When you pair certain beats or Apple Airpods Max with your iPhone, it does colour-matching – you can see graphics on the screen which reflect the same hue as the headphones you hold. Additionally, its Shortcuts app from iOS allows automations through NFC. Even though that is not supported by Apple watches. It can tapped to GymKit enabled exercise equipment. This will trigger automatically tracking a workout and synchronizing fitness data.
It’s true that Apple’s patent presents a few potentially concerning outcomes. Mentioning its warning system for unauthorized batteries as an example. As it stands, the system could used to see what kind of band you wearing. Respond accordingly said band purchased from a third-party. If your non-official band not considered secure Apple watches, certain features may cease work limited. While this may not appear to be a major issue in itself. One can not help but envision the potential ramifications blocked off from using features due choice band.
It’s still my dream that we’ll get. The good (cool color matching and other automations) without the bad (DRM for bands). In most cases, this feature will only work with a new Apple watches. Unless it hidden into current ones or can emulated with existing hardware. However, it could be a compelling reason to upgrade — something not every generation has the opportunity to do.
