Apple is reportedly working on a new tech that can help it detect the users’ body movement and positioning. From what we know so far, this feature is for your next Apple AirPods. Moreover, it could work in line with the Fitness+ workouts. The company is researching how they can detect movement and position. Partly to assist with Spatial Audio, but also to gauge body motion during Fitness+ workouts.
According to a new patent application by Apple, it shows a potential Apple AirPods model could track its user’s physical activities. “Wireless Ear Bud System With Pose Detection,” the 14-page-long patent application explains that the earbuds could, in theory, feature sensors that would “gather orientation information such as accelerometer measurements during user movements.”
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Apple AirPods Coming To Apple’s Fitness Ecosystem
With this in mind, it’s possible that Apple AirPods Pro 2 could be the one featuring this fitness-tracking capability. Moreover, rumours of the earbuds featuring this have surfaced quite a lot already. However, all of this is right now only speculation and assumption on our end. We will know more when the company confirms or hints something towards it.
In the meantime, let us see what the patent document says. File back in October 2021, but published just last week, it explains the process may involve a host electronic device that could wirelessly communicate with the future Apple AirPods. This, in turn, will provide the user with feedback and audible coaching instruction. Moreover, it could even evaluate their overall performance.
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Apart from this, the patent application does not have anything else mentioned. Like whether there’s a limit to the kind of physical activity the future Apple AirPods could track. So, in theory, they could register and examine accelerometer data. So, that analyzes how a user tilts their head into pre-determined poses (forward, back, as well as to the left and right).
Moreover, according to the application, there’s also scope for other useful fitness-related features, such as performance reports and alerts. At the moment, the only reliable method of finding out if you’re working out is through Apple Watch. Now, if the patent is granted, Apple could use the feature and collect your data and provide you feedback.
“Feedback such as audible feedback may be provided to a user based on evaluation of user performance of the head movement routine,” the patent notes. “Other suitable actions may be taken such as issuing performance reports and alerts.”
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When and how can we expect it to come?
The existing Apple AirPods Pro and 3rd-Gen AirPods already have onboard motion and voice accelerometers. These sensors are currently used to enable Spatial Audio, but there’s no reason they couldn’t be employed in the way the patent suggests. Perhaps all it would take is a firmware update. However, the patent does contemplate the possibility of a whole slew of additional sensors. Like gyroscopes, compasses, or even exotic tech like echolocation sensors, chances are it can also be in the next version of Apple AirPods too.
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Sushmita Choubey
Marketer to the core, a writer from the soul. Engineer and an MBA turned budding tech writer - dabbling her hands in all genres of writing from tech to fiction. If not writing, you will always find me reading anything and everything. Otherwise, you will find me learning new languages.