Apple has granted a patent titled “Controlling Electronic Devices Based on Wireless Ranging”. Apple has developed a technology that can allow users to control a wide range of devices—such as smart TVs, smart home appliances, vehicles key remote, and gaming consoles with wireless technology. This is achieved using an iPhone or iPad.
How the Wireless Controlling System Works
In its new patent, Apple explains that in this wireless controlling system, the device (iPhone) will detect when a user wants to control a device and determine which one is being targeted. This could involve factors such as proximity, orientation, and possibly even gesture-based commands. If a user points their iPhone toward a TV, the phone will recognize that action and display relevant controls without requiring the user to unlock the device or navigate through menus. The same logic could apply to smart thermostats, lights, or even gaming consoles, making device control as intuitive as a simple wave of the hand. By facilitating control of the object from a distance, this technique may eliminate the need for a user to be in physical contact with a user interface on or associated with the device. The patent also suggest that there is no need of passcode or biometric identifier to unlock the device.
Apple keeps its employees busy make new ideas and possible innovations across its ecosystem to make devices more user friendly. In fact, it has not only brainstorms ideas but also rushes to get the patent as soon as something comes to the table. That’s the reason that, Apple has filed 95,500 patents globally till December 2024, out of which 78,104 patents has been granted and active.
