Apple Insider has discovered a patent filing by Apple, suggesting that the Cupertino firm is planning to launch the rumoured ‘iWatch’. The patent filing shows the device sporting a ‘slap bracelet’ and a ‘flexible display’.
Speaking about the slap bracelet, the patent filing reads, “Bi-stable springs have two equilibrium positions. This allows a device with a bi-stable spring to assume two distinct configurations. The most recent widespread use of such a device was the slap bracelet, also called the slap wrap. The slap bracelet consists of layered flexible steel bands sealed within a fabric cover. Typical slap bracelets are roughly one inch in width by nine inches in length. In a first equilibrium position they can be flat. The second equilibrium is typically reached by slapping the flat embodiment across the wrist, at which point the bracelet curls around the wrist and stays relatively secure in a roughly circular position. The slap bracelet has been used primarily as a decorative bracelet; however, other uses have included for example keeping a pant leg away from a bike chain, or even using a slap bracelet covered with reflective tape for providing increased visibility for pedestrians and bikers at night. Perhaps most usefully it is quite easy to wrap around a wrist or leg, and stays conveniently in place.”
Speaking about the flexible display, it reads, “With a touch screen user input a user can accomplish a number of different tasks including adjusting the order of a current playlist, and reviewing a list of recent phone calls. A response to a current text message can even be managed given a simple virtual keyboard configuration across the face of the flexible display.”
The device is not expected to be a standalone device, but instead connect to other iDevices such as the iPhone.
Samsung is also rumoured to be working on a Galaxy watch, which is believed to be an accessory of the Galaxy S4.
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