Apple has patented a new kind of Apple Watch band that also serves as a case and stand. The flexible strap uses a magnetic closure like a number of Apple’s existing bands, and shares a lot of things in common with the Leather Loop.
The patent is simply titled “Magnetic wristband,” but as you can see in the image above, it’s clearly designed for a smart wearable like Apple Watch. In addition to wrapping around a user’s wrist like a traditional strap, it can also wrap around itself to keep the watch protected.
This is particularly useful while traveling; if you choose not to wear the device, you can simply wrap the band around the watch’s display to protect it, then throw it in a bag or briefcase. And that’s not all this strap can do.
Apple also describes how the band can be rolled up to act as a stand, or used to attach the watch to various metal objects, such as a laptop, a display, or a refrigerator.
“The proposed band is comprised of two separate straps made from malleable material into which a series of magnets are embedded in alternating or varying patterns of polarity,” explains AppleInsider, which was first to stumble across the patent filing.
“For example, one strap might include multiple magnets running its length, aligned in a repeating north, north, south, north, north (N, N, S, N, N) pattern, while the second strap’s magnet layout is an inverse of that combination. When brought in close proximity, the magnets attract in a vertical stack configuration.”
Apple patents are never a guarantee of things to come, of course, but this certainly confirms that the company is at least exploring new kinds of Apple Watch band that could be added to its lineup in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment