Apple has been a hugely successful company for many years. It has managed to develop a variety of innovative products, including the iPhone. And the company continues to expand its horizons, launching new products that are revolutionizing the world of technology. For example, the company has just patented a fabric-based touch-sensitive device. The invention has the potential to revolutionize gaming on the mobile platform. Additionally, the company is working on other innovations, such as a ride-hailing app and multi-player games.
Multiplayer games
Multiplayer games are all the rage these days, and mobile devices are the platform of choice. While there are a lot of them, they don’t all fit into the same mold. There are multiplayer video games, multiplayer board games, and real time multiplayer games, among others. Some of the best are designed to promote social interaction. This is particularly true of live multiplayer games.
For instance, it is possible to play a game of chess while sitting next to your friend in the comfort of your home. The technology behind this feat is both cutting edge and a boon to mobile device owners. Several companies have already stepped up to the plate, namely Apple and Microsoft. With the introduction of the Xbox One and the Xbox One Touch, gamers can now take on their friends in a virtual game of chess without the hassles of carrying around a PC or Mac.
Another novelty is the emergence of a smartphone as the go to gaming device, with a new generation of mobile devices touting improved graphics and more efficient processors. Many of these devices come with local networking capabilities, allowing for a more seamless game experience. In fact, many mobile games now have a social component, enabling a community of gamers to converge upon a particular location. As a result, smartphones are the ideal platform for local multiplayer gaming.
On top of that, mobile devices have numerous other advantages, such as a longer battery life, a better screen, and more sophisticated software. These features help to make the devices a perfect fit for the burgeoning mobile gaming crowd. Aside from games, smartphones offer a variety of other perks, such as being able to do just about anything that a laptop or desktop can.
The best part is, all of this is contained in a portable package. Even better, players can form teams and compete in the same game at the same time. Whether or not they’re playing with each other or against the horde, the social interactions can help boost the mood and overall game experience.
Ride-hailing app
Ride hailing apps have become increasingly popular in the last few years. This new method of transportation has reduced traffic congestion and the amount of cars on the road. A ride can be arranged within minutes. In this way, the average user saves the hassle of owning a car. However, this also creates new challenges for drivers.
Although Grab and Uber have adopted different strategies for regional growth in Southeast Asia, they both have been able to leverage their patent arsenals to their advantage. While Grab’s filings are mostly confined to Southeast Asia, Uber’s patent applications are more widespread, spanning multiple countries and jurisdictions.
The patents themselves are not without their limitations. For example, Uber’s patent applications in Singapore comprise the largest number of applications, while Grab’s applications are more targeted to the Southeast Asian market. Also, some of the patents are dated.
Uber’s R&D team is certainly on the ball, but Grab’s patent applications, on the other hand, show a more innovative approach to service offerings. They are tailored to the local market and provide relevant information to drivers.
Uber’s patent filings also demonstrate the company’s commitment to diversifying its patent portfolio. Their R&D efforts appear to be driven by customer feedback and local market needs.
The company’s patent filings are a great indicator of where the ride hailing industry is headed. It may not be the first company to offer this service, but it’s certainly the leader in the field.
The ride-hailing app market has evolved into a complex multi-billion dollar ecosystem. However, the legal environment is also a concern, as ride-hailing apps have been accused of disrupting the taxi business and causing serious stress on transportation infrastructure. As such, ride-hailing services have come under scrutiny from regulators around the world.
Despite this, the legal landscape surrounding ride-hailing apps remains a mystery. With that in mind, it’s not surprising that Grab and Uber have been able to make headway in the burgeoning industry. The company’s patents are just a small part of their success, however.
Fabric-based touch-sensitive devices
Fabric-based touch-sensitive devices are a new class of electronic device. These sensors are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of applications. They are able to sense a number of different types of touch, including pressure, non-contact, and multi-touch.
Fabric-based touch-sensors have a high degree of reproducibility. In addition, they offer multi-functionality by detecting both capacitance and resistance. As a result, they are ideally suited to wearable electronics. Their electrical conductivity is also very important for these applications.
Knitted sensor patches can be embedded into fabric. This type of sensor is suitable for applications where a large surface area is required. Additionally, this type of sensor is easily manufactured. It requires a few electrode connections, as well as minimal wiring.
Fabric-based touch-sensors are also scalable and efficient. They can be made into a variety of shapes. Furthermore, they are durable, allowing them to be used over a large area.
Another innovative touch-sensitive device uses an atomically-thin graphene active material. The material shows good performance after 500 cycles. Moreover, it can distinguish OFF/ON/OFF states very clearly.
This sensor is also very flexible and can be cut in the same way as common fabric. Its thickness is 1.5 mm and its sensitive regions are numerous. Lastly, it is washable and washable fabric-based touch-sensors can be applied to a wide range of applications.
In order to determine the mechanical integrity of the sensor, it was tested using a custom-built measurement rig. The test system included a calibrated industrial strain gauge sensor. Also, the patch was stretched over a convex surface with a radius of 80 mm.
Finally, the electrical signals of two sensor layers were recorded on a sample pad. In addition, the sensors were analyzed for their dynamic durability. Compared to other deformation types, fabric-based touch-sensors showed very high durability.
In addition to being a useful tool for wearable applications, fabric-based touch-sensors may be used in robotics. They could be used to detect the position of pinch gestures or even grab gestures.
Touch-sensitive interfaces are increasingly found in smartphones. However, they are still not a universal technology. There are a number of limitations to these types of sensors.
Smart clothing
Apple has recently been granted a new patent on smart clothing innovations. The company is working on weaving sensors into fabric. These could be integrated into wearable items such as a wristband, headband or bag. This technology could be used to control body temperature, heart rate and perspiration.
In the future, Apple and other leading companies are expected to perfect the use of smart clothing technologies. They will also be able to provide users with visual and haptic feedback.
Until now, the use of wearables has mostly been limited to fitness bands and watches. However, as more people adopt the technology, its value proposition will grow.
Wearables are easier to wear, can be integrated into many types of products, and are durable. Moreover, they can be easily connected with mobile phones. Having said that, the industry is still in its infancy. It hasn’t taken off as much as smart watches. Nonetheless, it’s likely that military and industrial applications will continue to drive the market for wearables.
One of the first forays into the clothing space was an Apple band. This device was designed by Daniel Podhajny, an Apple designer who had previously worked on Nike Flyknit technology. Now, he has come up with a smart band that is capable of wireless communication and measuring health information.
Other clothing-related innovations include smart gloves and knitted devices with force sensing capabilities. Although these ideas have proven successful, there are other challenges to these inventions. Among them is the need for a reliable power source.
To overcome these problems, a solution might involve creating a 3D-printed circuit in the shape of a chain mesh. This could replace embedding electrical components directly into fabrics.
Another approach to smart clothing is to create fabric with embedded screens. These could be used in smart clothing or accessories such as Apple TV remotes.
There are many other possible uses for this technology. However, Apple admits that it’s a complex process to interweave electrical components into fabric. Nevertheless, this type of invention is promising.
