Apple Patent Hints at Next-Generation AirPods With Biometric Sensors

[MacRumors]

Apple today was granted a patent that essentially updates an older wearable sports and health tracking device invention with features similar to those found in the company's new AirPods wireless headphones.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published an Apple patent on Tuesday with the title "Sports monitoring system for headphones, earbuds and/or headsets", which AppleInsider notes is nearly identical to a patent of the same name granted in 2014. However, the new document adds some new details hinting that Apple may be planning on integrating the technology into a forthcoming version of the company's AirPods.

The patent describes an earbud-based fitness monitoring system which integrates an advanced biometric sensor that can detect physiological metrics including temperature, heart rate, perspiration levels and more, through skin contact and via built-in motion sensors.

The updated document does away with references to a head gesture-controlled user interface and replaces them with details of a UI that users interact with via voice and touch. The newer invention allows users to touch areas of the headphones to trigger controls such as changing music track or invoking Siri. Alternatively, users can speak commands through a microphone, which are then processed by the headset or sent to a host device such as an iPhone.

The changes bear clear similarities to Apple's recently delayed AirPods, which include embedded infrared and motion sensors for controlling various system functions. AirPods automatically detect when they are removed from the ear and can power off independently. The AirPods' tap controls also enable wearers to invoke Siri which can then be used to control music playback, volume, and other options.

With Apple's first-generation AirPods already being delayed suggesting technical issues, it's unlikely we'll be seeing a biometric sensor-equipped version of the earbuds soon, but the patent suggests Apple still has long-term designs on in-ear health and activity tracking, possibly being readied for a future model.

Apple says it needs "a little more time" before its AirPods are ready for customers, but a recent report indicated they could enter production in December possibly in time for availability going into the holiday season.

Article Link: Apple Patent Hints at Next-Generation AirPods With Biometric Sensors

 

[benz240]

They can't even ship the current generation AirPods and they're working on the next gen?

 

[Dave245]

They can't even ship the current generation AirPods and they're working on the next gen?

There is probably an issue that they need to sort out, people just need to be patient! would you rather Apple release them with problems/issues? i want to buy a pair, i was ready to pre-order them since they have been announced but i'd rather wait and have a product that is ready than one with issues.

 

[Sunny1990]

Where are the current generation airpods??? ****ing liar

 

[Romy90210]

More useless stuffs that will never see the light of the day....

 

[SMIDG3T]

There is probably an issue that they need to sort out, people just need to be patient! would you rather Apple release them with problems/issues? i want to buy a pair, i was ready to pre-order them since they have been announced but i'd rather wait and have a product that is ready than one with issues.

I'll keep saying this until it gets into people's heads.

This is absolutely correct. Apple made a mistake, admitted it and said they need more time to make these to the standard everyone expects.

Perhaps a month or two is a lot to some people on here? In reality, it's nothing. I can't wait for these.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

Working on the next gen is the right move.

 

[JeffyTheQuik]

They can't even ship the current generation AirPods and they're working on the next gen?

Yes. They should get the new product design engineers into the supply chain, ensuring that production is done properly.

While that isn't a bad idea, there are different parts of the supply chain that each group is skilled at.
-Design
-Engineer for manufacturing
-Supply chain selection
-Build
-Deliver

Each group should have a say in the others, with the group that is assigned have the responsibility.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Also included: $100 price increase. $150 if you want them in gold leaf.

 

[NT1440]

They can't even ship the current generation AirPods and they're working on the next gen?

Sorry, are you new to product design?

You can't buy a "2018" model car right now, but you can bet your ass that BMW is working on their 2019, 2020, and 2021 models right now.

 

[orbital~debris]

They can't even ship the current generation AirPods and they're working on the next gen?

How do you think product development works… I'm curious?

 

[SBlue1]

They can't even ship the current generation AirPods and they're working on the next gen?

How old are you? 14? What do you think how design works?

 

[Micool1]

I prefer they take their time to release the Airpods when they are fine than them releasing a rushed out product that explodes in your ears.

 

[Dave245]

I'll keep saying this until it gets into people's heads.

This is absolutely correct. Apple made a mistake, admitted it and said they need more time to make these to the standard everyone expects.

Perhaps a month or two is a lot to some people on here? In reality, it's nothing. I can't wait for these.

Exactly, i really think that Apple can't win, people complain because Apple are taking extra time to work on them, but if Apple released them without them being finished and or any problems being removed, people would seriously complain then (and correctly so.) Not only that but people moaned about them when they were announced, people complained about the design and the price.

Now a days it seems companies like Apple can't win, people will always complain and bitch. Apple decided against doing a Touch-screeb Mac, and people think they aren't innovating, it makes me laugh but at the same time it is frustrating because the same people would also moan and bitch if Apple did do something like that and the user experience wasn't good (which it wouldn't be).

 

[rp2011]

More useless stuffs that will never see the light of the day....

Useless to YOU, but it looks incredibly useful . I would imagine all wearables to be sensor laden and all work in conjunction to give users health metrics.

 

[SMIDG3T]

How old are you? 14? What do you think how design works?

Mr Know-It-All is seems...
[doublepost=1479221266][/doublepost]

Exactly, i really think that Apple can't win, people complain because Apple are taking extra time to work on them, but if Apple released them without them being finished and or any problems being removed, people would seriously complain then (and correctly so.) Not only that but people moaned about them when they were announced, people complained about the design and the price.

Now a days it seems companies like Apple can't win, people will always complain and bitch. Apple decided against doing a Touch-screeb Mac, and people think they aren't innovating, it makes me laugh but at the same time it is frustrating because the same people would also moan and bitch if Apple did do something like that and the user experience wasn't good (which it wouldn't be).

Again. I agree. Whatever Apple do, people get grumpy.

People think it's easy running the world's biggest company, huh?

 

[44267547]

Where are the current generation airpods??? ****ing liar

Apple didn't lie about anything. It was an unknown delay that pushed them out further From their original October release. Apple released a statement to Tech Crunch they would be delayed.

A lie would be if Apple introduced the Airpods and then stated they never existed to begin with.

If you are going to bash Apple, at least understand the differences between a lie and a set back.

Also, you posted this same snark remark on another Airpod rumor a few weeks back. It's getting old and time to retire it.

 

[Kevin2055]

Can it detect brain tumor ?

 

[nick42983]

I prefer they take their time to release the Airpods when they are fine than them releasing a rushed out product that explodes in your ears.

Apple lied about the Airpods release date. Their narrative about "taking time to get it right" was a lie to cover their butts. They never intended to even begin production in October let along ship then. From the sound of it they still haven't started production. They needed to show something off to distract from the headphone jack removal, but they would have been reamed (rightfully) for showing off a product that wouldn't ship for 3-4 months. Airpods are Apple's biggest gaffe since Apple Maps. I'm hopeful they'll be released before Christmas and work well, but Apple blew this launch sky high.

 

[CarlJ]

Not only that but people moaned about them when they were announced, people complained about the design and the price.

The bit that really got me was the hordes of idiots who were complaining about the sound quality of the AirPods, when nobody outside of Apple had even been in the same room with them. Because they look similar to the headphones that come "free" in every box. Like, maybe wait until you've actually heard them before commenting on the sound quality? Smh.

 

[44267547]

Apple lied about the Airpods release date. Their narrative about "taking time to get it right" was a lie to cover their butts. They never intended to even begin production in October let along ship then. From the sound of it they still haven't started production. They needed to show something off to distract from the headphone jack removal, but they would have been reamed (rightfully) for showing off a product that wouldn't ship for 3-4 months. Airpods are Apple's biggest gaffe since Apple Maps. I'm hopeful they'll be released before Christmas and work well, but Apple blew this launch sky high.

This is the third post reference the Airpod articles in the last few weeks you keep quoting Apple as "Lying." Read the bolded print in your post above.

Answer Me this. How did Apple lie about a release date when in fact there was not a release date? Apple stated the Airpods had a projected October release, then they advised Tech Crunch they would be delayed for unknown reasons before October ended. They didn't lie about anything.

If you have a source that can prove Apple lied about the Airpods or distracted the customer away from 3.5 Jack removal, then please provide how you know this. Because The way I see it, you, yourself are bitter about the Airpods based off your previous posts and are looking for reasons to disparage against Apple. But that's not Going to fly, being you have no evidence Apple lied about anything.

 

[raj]

Since Bragi has been selling their "Dash" earnings for a few months, which already habe a number of these features, I wouldn't expect Apple to be able to patent them. It's hard to patent something which is already on the market.

 

[jfromdeep]

Im a huge fan of Apple. But I try not to fit the description of Apple fans who portray as cult like and unreasonable about their imperfections. Apple goofed this up big time. Missing the date is understandable. But it is escalated by the fact that it was a major part of the presentation for the phone and the justification for getting rid of the headphone jack. The powerbeats wireless 3 with the new technology only recently came out many weeks after the phone shipped. Folks shouldnt have had to purchase previous generation technology to hold them over until the advertised stuff was ready. These products were a big reason people preordered the new phone

 

[44267547]

Im a huge fan of Apple. But I try not to fit the description of Apple fans who portray as cult like and unreasonable about their imperfections. Apple goofed this up big time. Missing the date is understandable. But it is escalated by the fact that it was a major part of the presentation for the phone and the justification for getting rid of the headphone jack. The powerbeats wireless 3 with the new technology only recently came out many weeks after the phone shipped. Folks shouldnt have had to purchase previous generation technology to hold them over until the advertised stuff was ready. These products were a big reason people preordered the new phone

I think this a fair statement. Apple made a big mistake by not having these prepared when they should have launched in October. Although, the hype is even bigger for these and when they do release, it will be months before you can get a pair if not ordered upon release.

 

[44267547]

More useless stuffs that will never see the light of the day....

More useless stuffs? What does this even mean? If you are referring to the Airpods as "Stuffs", I am confident you are wrong and they will see the light of day.