What do AirPods need to be the best earbuds on the market? We rounded up the 7 crazy patents we found that could change them
Even though it is true that AirPods have been with us for several generations now.In addition to having different models, it is logical to think that they still need to improve on certain aspects. Thanks to the patents filed before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Apple could make several of these a reality. In this compilation We have grouped together the 7 patents that seem the craziest to us and that could completely revolutionize what they mean to users and other competing brands.
AirPods with sleep mask
We start with this patent that was presented years ago, more precisely in July 2022. It is a sleep mask that includes AirPodsThe goal is to cover the eyes using the mask which in turn would connect to the AirPods. to monitor eye and brain activity.
AirPods patent with sleep mask
The direct result would be to obtain sleep and stress tracking recordings while the user sleeps.. Why AirPods? Basically, these would transmit sounds and sensory feedback based on the data you previously obtained.
Other built-in sensors would be those related to strength, snoring detection, as well as an advanced system that would measure blood pressure and even an ECG.
AirPods Max case as charging base
This patent could have become reality with the launch of the AirPods Max in 2020 as it was filed in April 2017. It is a case that would have a very particular function, serving as a wireless charging base.
AirPods case as wireless charging base according to patent
This base would have the charge transmitter on the surface and it would serve to charge multiple devices at the same time. We do not lose hope that Apple will consider doing this in the second generation of AirPods Max after the failed attempt of AirPower.
AirPods with biosignal sensors to ‘read your mind’
This patent is more recent, July 2023, and aims to measure the user’s brain activity with AirPods using biosignals. With this we are not talking about reading the mind through thoughts but with health aspects such as concentration and stress related to different activities.
Biosignal sensors, an interesting patent for AirPods
The AirPods would emit an alert when abnormal brain behavior is detected. The signals would be captured using active electrodes.
AirPods that detect bruxism-related behaviors
What is bruxism? According to the United States National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “bruxism is a condition in which the a person’s teeth grind, clench, or grind both awake and asleep.” The symptoms are related to a type of facial pain.
Bruxism monitor built into AirPods
To do this, Apple patented a monitoring system in 2022 that includes AirPods. The sensors would be able to detect vibrations in the bones of the skull of the user, so as to send an alert so that the user can be supported in a timely manner.
Special biometry of the inner ear
The next patent is already linked to the AirPods Pro a protection method that uses ear biometrics to authenticate the owner headphones. This would mean that if the AirPods are lost, no one will be able to use them.
Inner ear biometrics patent for AirPods
Additional security features for AirPods
Other benefits of having AirPods Pro are reflected in this 2022 patent in which Sensors capable of detecting objects and speed would be included the moment the user wears them in his ears.
Patent with security features for AirPods Pro
If a variation is detected that represents a danger to the user, AirPods would pause or decrease the volume of the currently playing music which would alert the user.
The patent would include a special feature to automatically adjust the sound to balance safety and entertainment factors when performing physical activities such as running or jogging and to adapt them to different environments.
The patent we’ve always dreamed of, the AirPods case with touchscreen
To conclude this compilation, we end with one of the most sought-after patents by all AirPods users. It the case can be large enough to have a screen. Apple has already filed a related patent in March 2023.
The patent illustrations show various methods of functionality
Instead of having playback controls on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV, imagine controlling them from the box. The best part is that it wouldn’t just be a screen to have controls on but It would also display weather updates, serve as a hypothetical remote control for an Apple TV, and more.. One example was seen in China with a fake AirPods case featuring a screen with music controls.
Those in Cupertino have their pick of patents and are taking them into account for future AirPod launches in the coming years. Which ones will be realized?
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