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Apple Files Patent for Possible 'SmartWatch'

'Wearable accessory device' patent describes flexible display for wrist

By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 21, 2013 11:44 AM CST

(Newser) – The "iWatch" gossip watch is continuing to tick down. Apple filed a patent application today outlining a flexible screen with a "slap-wrap" bracelet you can wear on your wrist, described as a "wearable accessory device," reports Mashable. Among the possibilities described for the device: "a sensor for detecting a change between the flat state and the curled state of the bi-stable spring substrate," a "kinetic energy gathering component," and a battery that can be recharged "by way of a plurality of ambient light energy collectors disposed across a portion of one surface of the accessory device." All of which is a mouthful, but they all sound like pretty neat ideas for a digital watch.

If you thought digital watches were cool back in the 1980s, just wait until Apple comes out with its long-rumored iWatch.
If you thought digital watches were cool back in the 1980s, just wait until Apple comes out with its long-rumored "iWatch."   (©)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 15 comments
Tology
Feb 22, 2013 9:57 AM CST
Whatever happened to the days of having to include a working model of your invention to get a patent?   If all you need is a description of an idea I'm going to start trying to patent some of my ideas.
odowd80
Feb 21, 2013 2:40 PM CST
Apple doesn't manufacture every product in its patent portfolio.
Circusdog
Feb 21, 2013 12:22 PM CST
Dick Tracy: "meh"
 

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