Patently Apple

Apple Tweaks Ongoing Research into Gaming Mouse & Nike + iPod Application

About two years ago we published a report titled "Apple Could Advance Gaming & Paint in Magic Mouse Upgrade." Today, a supporting patent has surfaced that relates to methods for how the magic mouse could process combinations of kinematical inputs such as force and velocity. According to Apple, the invention may have applicability to any electronic system or application capable of receiving input. For example, embodiments of the invention may be useful with video games, file browsing, interactive navigation, communication systems, control systems, military systems, medical devices, and industrial applications. See our 2010 report for more patent illustrations. A second patent application that surfaced this morning titled "Integrated media jukebox and physiologic data handling application" demonstrates that Apple is still tweaking their Nike + iPod system which was granted yet another patent earlier this week.  

Apple Granted a Patent for Popular Nike + iPod Application

The US Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 36 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. In this particular report we cover Apple's latest granted patent relating to their popular Nike + iPod application. The patent covers the application's user interface which records the distance and pace of a runner or power walker. The application uniquely works in conjunction with an iPod that is able to stay in sync with a specialized sensor worn in or on top of one the user's running shoes.  

Apple Wins Patent for Never Released Lifestyle Companion App

The late CEO Steve Jobs and in his inner circle began dreaming up their iLife series of applications for the Mac back in 1998. The first app was iMovie which actually debuted in 1999. In 2003 the first iteration of the iLife Series debuted. In 2007 Apple began to pursue a lifestyle companion application but it was never released. Instead, Apple chose to work on the Nike + iPod application to bolster the iPod. The lifestyle companion system was designed to coordinate a user's fitness, nutrition, and medical experiences. Considering that the Nike + iPod hasn't really advanced much over recent years, you have to wonder if Apple will consider releasing this application in the future now that the Patent Office has granted them a patent for it. To close out our report, we cover Apple's dual design patent wins for their sixth generation iPod nano.

Apple Makes Apple TV more Accessible to those with Disabilities Plus new Nike + iPod Patents Surface

On May 10, 2012 the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that relates to Apple TV. More specifically, Apple's patent is about making Apple TV more accessible to those with disabilities. Additionally, new Nike + iPod patents have surfaced today from both Apple and Nike that claim that they've made improvements to the system while one last entry today briefly touches on new location based technology relating to beacon-based Geofencing.  

Apple Reveals Powerful Magnet Coded Apps for iPad & Sporting Gear

Apple first introduced us to the Wild World of Coded Magnets in late January. Today, greater revelations are found in a new patent application form Apple published by the US Patent and Trademark Office. While Apple further discusses their technology relating to magnetic fasteners, they specifically reveal real-world applications for the iPad and iPhone. Moreover, Apple envisions their programmable magnets eventually working through to the sporting world via smart bikes, ski boots and snowboards. The energy surrounding Apple's smart magnet project is high and it's evidenced in their latest patent. In fact, the energy found in all of their programmable magnet patents thus far screams the message that they believe this is a breakthrough technology.  

Apple Wins Patents for Nike + iPod and Unique Magnet Array System

The US Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of fifteen newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. In our first patent report of the day, we focus mainly on Apple's unique magnet array system that could one day allow tiny yet powerful accessories to be added to both iOS devices and perhaps even the MacBook Air. Our report's secondary focus covers Apple's communication protocol that is used in their Nike + iPod system.  

Apple Patent Reveals Possible Upgrade for Nike + iPod

One of Apple's latest patent applications published this morning indicates that possible changes may be coming to the Nike + iPod program. This originally filed 2010 patent application states that Apple's patent is about the ability of dynamically adjusting a display based on the progress of an event monitored by an iOS device. In particular, it's about dynamically adjusting workout information displayed as a user nears the end of their workout. The new feature comes about due to a new sensing module.  

Apple Wins Patents for a Sporting App & Camera Lens Baffle While Introducing us to iCloud Printing Services

 
The US Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 20 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. In our third and final granted patent report of the day we take a look at Apple's yet to be released sporting app that Apple calls a "lifestyle companion" plus we take a look at a camera lens baffle for iOS devices. The last item in this report takes a brief look at a series of patent applications that cover Apple's upcoming iCloud printing services. No, Apple doesn't describe these services as being revolutionary – but rather as being a "cloud computing paradigm." I suspect that CEO Steve Jobs will retain the former for a future press release. What else is new? - ha!  

Apple is Designing a Great New Fitness Center App

 
On April 28, 2011, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals various aspects of a newly advanced Fitness Center App that they've been working on for some time now. While Apple's app is uniquely their own, they appear to be consulting with or at least including Nike into their program as one illustration lists "The Nike Training Club Class." Apple's Fitness Center App is well designed to cover all aspects of a workout including stats gathered from next generation smart equipment right down to the inclusion of a unique social networking component that will work within a particular fitness center or within your city limits to help you find a workout buddy and/or to stir on competition to get you motivated. Apple's new fitness center app is designed to work with your iPhone or iPod touch to provide you with realtime stats to keep you informed and on track.  

Apple Wins Smart Shoe, Earphones with Mic & iPod Touch Patents

 
The US Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 22 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. In our first of three patent reports today, we point to several notable granted patents which include Apple's seventh industrial design win for their iPod touch, another which relates to the earphone jack associated with their earphone with mic accessory and a win for Apple's Bonjour technology. Yet the most interesting granted patent in this first lot that we review today, definitely goes to a smart shoe patent. This patent relates to a sporting shoe wear-out system that Apple has yet to bring to market that would warn athletes when their running shoe, ski boot and/or soccer cleats were no longer properly supporting their foot so as to avoid injury.  

Apple Considers Advancing their Pedometer App

 
Before starting this report, I just wanted to thank the Apple Team for putting on such a great iPad-2 show yesterday that presented us with a nice round of new features that many had hoped for. With that said, our second patent report of the day covers Apple's latest round of pedometer related Apps. Apple's iPod nano was the first iOS device to include this app and today's patent says that it should be coming to other iOS devices over time. A secondary pedometer related patent advances the pedometer by working with multiple sensors and might, in theory, work with a stepper which would be a welcome advance for many who workout with this kind of equipment.  

Apple Points to a New Workout Reminder App that Thinks

In addition to Apple introducing us to their Smart Bike system this week, they also added another workout related application that describes a new workout reminder system that is intended to keep users on track with their workout goals. In particular, the patent is directed to systems and methods for reminding a user about workout goals spanning multiple workouts. In fact, the system could actually calculate your objectives in contrast to your stated time goal and make independent suggestions as to what you'll need to do in order to achieve the goals that you've set out for yourself. In theory it sounds great, but only time will tell if this little wonder is actually intelligent or just an electronic pain in the neck. At the end of the day, when you add this application to Apple's growing portfolio of sporting based patents, you could plainly see the importance that Apple is placing on the future of this health conscious market. All we need now is for Apple to press the "Go" button – and begin rolling some of this stuff out.