Apple Is Currently Testing Innovative Ways To Charge iWatch
by Dom Esposito
February 3, 2014
According to a report from The New York Times (via MacRumors), Apple is seeking out new and innovative ways to charge the rumored iWatch. The New Work Times notes that Apple is looking into inductive, solar, and motion charging, but notes that some of these charging "experiments" are years away from a public release.
That's not to say that iWatch is years away, but it's nice to know that Apple is still innovating behind the scenes. More importantly, Apple obviously knows that battery life is crucial part of iWatch's success.
The New York Times reports:
For its wristwatch, Apple has been testing a method to charge the battery wirelessly with magnetic induction, according to a person briefed on the product. A similar technology is already used in some Nokia smartphones — when a phone is placed on a charging plate, an electrical current creates a magnetic field, which creates voltage that powers the phone. Apple has also experimented with new power-charging methods for a potential smartwatch, people close to the efforts said, though such experiments are years from becoming a reality. The watch is expected to have a curved glass screen, and one idea is to add a solar-charging layer to that screen, which would give power to the device in daylight, they said.As mentioned, Apple is also looking into methods that will allow iWatch to charge while you move:
Another experiment at Apple has involved charging the battery through movement, a method that is already used in many modern watches. A person’s arm swinging could operate a tiny charging station that generates and pushes power to the device while walking, according to a patent filed by Apple in 2009.According to iPod creator Tony Fadell, Apple tested solar charging iPhones and iPods for "many years," but also noted that it wasn't very practical because most of the time, the device is in your pocket. Apple's iWatch is said to have a curved glass display, and according to 9to5Mac, will integrate with iPhone 6 and new features in iOS 8. I believe that it's very possible we'll see iWatch later this year, but in the end, only time will tell. The iWatch is a make or break moment for Apple and they need to step it up in order to compete with current smart watch manufacturers.
