The title of the patent says it all, “Devices, methods, and user interfaces for a wearable electronic ring computing device.” The technology covered by the patent relates to a finger ring with a touchscreen that includes a processor, a rechargeable source of power and a wireless transceiver. With the ring worn on one finger, a finger tap, voice command or hand gesture can be used to control the action on another device like an iPhone or an iPad. In other words, the Apple Ring would not be a standalone product.
The Apple Ring would be a more discreet, efficient and safer way to interact with a touchscreen device
Why use an Apple Ring to control another device? As Apple states in the patent, current touchscreen devices could be “cumbersome, inconvenient, or inefficient for certain tasks and applications.” As an example, Apple says that after holding an iPhone or iPad for some time, the user’s hands and/or arms could get fatigued. In addition, the light given off by a touchscreen device could be “inappropriate in certain social environments or even dangerous if it gives away the position of a threatened user.” Apple believes that the use of such a ring as laid out in the patent would be a more efficient, safer, discreet and ergonomic way for consumers to interact with a touchscreen device.
“A wearable ring device comprising: an annular member defining an aperture therethrough that is sized for receipt therein of a first finger of a hand of a user; a computer processor housed in the annular member; a wireless transceiver electrically connected to the computer processor and configured to communicate with at least one external electronic device; a rechargeable power source for supplying power to the wireless transceiver and computer processor; and a microphone electrically connected to the computer processor; wherein the wireless transceiver is configured such that a first predefined hand gesture performed using the ring device causes an action to be performed on the external electronic device, wherein the first predefined hand gesture includes movement of the ring device, and the action performed on the external electronic device includes changing a variable input to the external electronic device at least partially based on a distance of the ring device relative to the external electronic device.”-Apple
Amazon recently introduced the Echo Loop, a smart ring that includes virtual assistant Alexa. The ring provides most of the same functionality of a smart speaker, but one that is wrapped around your finger. You can even open the Alexa app and set a
phone number to be called with a double click of the action button. The Echo Loop pairs with the user’s smartphone for connectivity. Similar to what Apple wrote on its patent, the Echo Loop is sized to be worn on the user’s first index finger on either hand. Amazon is offering the Echo Loop through invitation and it is priced at $129.99. After a limited time, pricing will rise to $179.99.
The arrow points to the Amazon Echo Loop smart ring
The upcoming Apple Glasses would seem to be a perfect device for users to control with an Apple Ring. While users might activate certain features on the headset by tapping on a pad on the side of the glasses, a ring placed on the wearer’s finger might be easier to use.
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