14 DAY TRIAL // The latest watchOS release brings sleep tracking to the Apple Watch, but the Cupertino-based tech giant has more ambitious plans when it comes to monitoring and helping improve our sleep.
The company has recently patented two new technologies (here and here) that describe a device similar to the Beddit Sleep Monitor and pretty much coming down to a sensor strip that can be lied across a bed to monitor certain data.
While the accuracy of such a device is one of the most challenging parts, Apple explains that it wants to make it as thin and soft as possible without impacting the way it works.
“Some devices are assembled by stacking multiple layers on top of one another, each layer including the same material(s) and/or a single type of sensing mechanism along the entire layer. This may require at least one layer for each type of sensing mechanism, and may cause traditional devices to be rigid and thick, resulting in discomfort for users and reducing users' willingness to continue using the devices,” the company explains as per AI.
“The substrate layer may be formed by interdigitating fingers of a first sheet with fingers of a second sheet. Combining multiple substrates in a single layer of a layered sensor may allow multiple materials and/or sensing mechanisms to be combined together in a single layer.”
Still in patent stage
While a patent is by no means a confirmation a new device is projected to enter the mass production stage, this shows that Apple keeps exploring new products in the health space, as this has become a priority for the company in the long term.
A sleep tracking device could easily pair with other Apple products and collect information that is then transferred to the Health app, allowing for easy analysis on the smartphone or on the desktop. This way, the Cupertino-based tech giant could further expand its device portfolio, but of course, everything is still just a patent for now.