A new patent that was recently published indicates Apple's plans to have data sharing possible just by shaking hands, bumping fists, giving high fives or patting backs. This innovation will be possible through the Apple Watch.
The patent, published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today along with over 40 other Apple patents, is labeled as "Gesture-based information exchange between devices in proximity". This simply involves the sharing of data between wearable techs such as smartwatches and other mobile devices.
According to Apple Insider, the transferring of information will occur in a secure manner so there should be no worries that personal information and other important data will not be shared with people other than those intended to be shared with.
The transfer of data will be possible through an ad hoc wireless connection that is similar to Bump, a once popular iOS app that was canceled back in 2014. The Bump app used to allow the sharing of personal information such as contact numbers, photos, and videos by simply "bumping" devices.
The new Apple patent will utilize some kind of "greeting event" instead of a "bumping" gesture to share data between devices. Aside from those mentioned above, other greeting gestures such as salutes, waves, hugs and bows may work. Potential users of the new feature will be required to select a re-defined gesture which will prevent information from accidentally transferring to another.
The patent focuses on Apple Watches though it also indicated that other smart devices such as phones may also have the feature in the future. Mac Rumors also noted that the information shared through the devices will be stored locally or in the cloud.
Only recently, Apple was granted a patent for a wearable external battery charger which would allow a wearable device such as the Apple Watch to last longer especially during long travels. The illustration for the wearable charger showed a round smartwatch which coincides with another patent Apple received in December last year.
