It all began in February when Apple posted a job listing for a physiologist that intimated the tech giant might be exploring health apps or gadgets.

This leads us to the most current news about Apple’s latest invention, which might be bringing fitness and health tracking capabilities to the forefront on future versions of the iPad and iPhone. It’s speculated that the latest update will debut with iOS 8 sometime later this year.

Much like the Passbook app that was developed by Apple, which offers a centralized location for your plane tickets, coupons, gift certificates and other passes, the Healthbook will offer a unified location for the user’s health and fitness information.

How will this new app track your wellness? For certain areas, it will utilize the new M7 chip. This technology was introduced with the iPhone 5s last year for the motion-detecting processor capabilities that are embedded inside the device. For the new app, the M7 chip will help track things such as the number of steps that you take during the course of your day, or the speed as you run.

New inventions go through a slew of changes as the process gets more involved. For instance, in the case of the Healthbook, for categories like “Respiratory Rate” and “Blood Sugar” as shown in the mock-up, these info-gathering processes would require separate devices. Does this mean that, in addition, Apple also is working on a device(s) that could perform these additional tasks?

If this isn’t the case, it’s likely that Healthbook will sync with many existing third-party devices.

You know what they say, an Apple a day keeps the doctor away and we think that Apple’s latest health invention might offer the help that consumers need!

Copyright Davison 2014

Sources:

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/the-shape-of-things-to-come-apples-next-big-ios-79881408967.html

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2014/03/17/apple-healthbook-report/6525183/

Images:

http://9to5mac.com/2014/03/17/this-is-healthbook-apples-first-major-step-into-health-fitness-tracking/

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Apple recently announced its latest product, CarPlay. This slick, Siri-enabled device will interact with your iPhone in the car. The latest invention isn’t a standalone in-car operating system; rather, it’s a “second screen” iOS interface that is optimized for the car.

CarPlay will allow for a deeper integration with iOS devices than any in-car system to date.

The system will make its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show and cars like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Volvo will be shown with CarPlay built in.

Now, in order for CarPlay to work, the system operates with a Lightning-connector that connects to the iPhone. Users are limited to using the system with the iPhone 5, 5s and 5c, which all need to be connected to the car in order for the features to work.

But, nonetheless, you can think of this system as a car-infotainment system by substitution, because everything still runs through the iPhone.

CarPlay uses a system based on streaming H.264 video in order for the screen mirroring and car-touchscreen interaction with the phone to work.

The physical connection of the iPhone to the device will be tethered via a Lightning cable, which is a proprietary computer and power connector that was invented by Apple in order to find a better way to connect Apple mobile devices like iPads, iPhones and iPods to host computers, cameras, external monitors, USB battery chargers and other devices.

The new system was designed with the idea of providing ease for users to gain access and use their iPhone’s services and software via Siri. CarPlay offers access to hands-free calling functions, in addition to Siri search, messages and maps. The latter of the features means that Apple will have the opportunity to push its own maps app over those of its competitors (cough, cough, Google).

Finally, CarPlay will work in conjunction with other apps like Podcasts and some music services from third-parties like Beats Radio, iHeart Radio, Spotify and Stitcher. Based off of what we have seen so far, many believe that the evolution of this new Apple invention will be a gradual, hand-selected roll-out, which is similar to how Apple handled adding Apple TV software partners.

Check out a demo of the Apple CarPlay in action!

Copyright Davison 2014

Sources:

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2014/03/apple-carplay-system/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_cable

http://techcrunch.com/2014/03/03/apples-new-carplay-system-will-turn-tens-of-millions-of-cars-into-iphone-accessories/

Media:

http://cdn1.appleinsider.com/14.03.03-CarPlay-2.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESPyq6P9CdY

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This new rare piece of wearable technology is a practical and immediately-usable invention that can be utilized by anyone with a hearing impairment. On Monday, this new Bluetooth device was officially launched by the Denmark-based GN ReSound company that developed it.

The hearing aid uses ReSound’s Surround Sound integrated sound processing and the company touts that it is powerful enough to aid in 90 percent of hearing loss cases.

Furthermore, this invention was created in order to work seamlessly with the iPhone and iPad. The ReSound Linx will allow the person wearing the apparatus to adjust the sound settings directly from their smartphone. This is an important feature that allows anyone who is wearing the hearing aid to be less conspicuous while adjusting their device in public.

So, what sets this device apart from the others? The hearing aids are directly connected between Apple devices. Additionally, the hearing aid also can exchange data with the iPhone, using the ReSound smart app that will give the user new ways to personalize their hearing experience.

The functionality of the device’s ability is the fact that the invention has the capability to remember specific sound experience settings from a particular location. The device can do this by tagging GPS locations, so users then have the option to use that location-specific setting whenever they return to the location.

That’s not all for the GPS function. It also serves as a locator. Let’s say that you’ve lost one of the devices; you can search for it using the ReSound Linx app, which raises the volume level on the app’s display as you get closer to the lost device.

The only apparent downside of this new invention is that it isn’t cheap. In fact, the general price ranges anywhere from $2,900-$3,500.

Although it may have a hefty price tag, this “sound” piece of technology is sparking the interest of consumers everywhere.

Take a look at the promo for the ReSound Linx:

Copyright Davison 2014

Sources:

http://mashable.com/2014/02/25/apple-iphone-ready-device-is-worlds-smartest-hearing-aid/

http://www.gizmag.com/resound-linx-hearing-aid-iphone/30963/

Media:

http://cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2014/02/resoundapp.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWIGAensIpA#t=1

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Over the years, Apple fans have seen various iPhone prototypes appear on the internet; and, for the most part, they have been similar to the first iPhone that was released in 2007 and its later models.

However, a few weeks ago, we talked about the importance of prototypes in the inventing process. For Apple especially, prototypes play an integral role in creating the best product on the market. A prototype of the first-generation iPhone was recently released, and we couldn’t imagine if this product had actually gone to the production stage! When we heard about this prototype, we wanted to explore the origin of the first-generation iPhone.

So, how did the original iPhone go from this?

To this?

Well, for starters, before the world was introduced to the first generation iPhone in 2007, the original Apple design of the first iPhone was two inches thick with a 5”x7” inch screen. This size is much like the iPad Minis that we see today!

Steve Jobs, the late Apple co-founder, revealed, in 2010, that his company had actually started work on a tablet before it eventually became the iPhone. The initial prototype included a large display screen that suggested this device may have actually been intended as a tablet-style device.

Jobs later said that he had the idea of having a glass, multi-touch display that would allow users to type with their fingers. Soon after Jobs made the request, his team came back with a prototype equipped with the multi-touch technology.

However, despite receiving the prototype, Jobs and the rest of the company decided that it wasn’t the right time to continue the development process for a tablet. Nonetheless, the creativity and innovation for a new product did not stop there. The technology that they had developed in the prototyping process, in particular, the touchscreen scrolling, prompted the company to build a smartphone. This smartphone would become the first-generation iPhone.

As consumers, sometimes we don’t realize that companies go through a series of trial and error when creating prototypes. So, the next time you buy an Apple product or any product for that matter, let your mind imagine what that product may have looked like in the prototype stage. Because after seeing what could have been with the first generation iPhone, anything is possible!

Copyright Davison 2013

Sources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2291943/See-iPhone-prototype-The-Apple-design-2-inches-huge-5-x7-screen.html

http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/03/11/newly-revealed-early-apple-iphone-prototype-had-massive-5×7-inch-display

Images:

http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/03/11/newly-revealed-early-apple-iphone-prototype-had-massive-5×7-inch-display

http://www.theverge.com/products/iphone/37

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Rumors continue to swirl that the 5S may include technology for a fingerprint scanner. This rumor stems from Apple patenting fingerprint-detection technology last year, in addition to words related to the technology that have emerged in beta code for iOS 7. If the rumors are true, the security upgrade would live next to, or under, the home button.

However, before their popular products ever hit the marketplace, Apple filed thousands of patents for developing technologies and products alike. Among the thousands of patents that were filed, there are a few notable patents that stand out amongst the others.

As consumers, we are very familiar with the touchscreen capability that our tablets, phones and other gadgets utilize. However, in 2005, Apple filed a patent to translate this technology to their iPods.

On September 30, 2005, Apple filed for a patent titled, “Proximity detector in handheld device.”  This patent was issued for a touchscreen interface for portable devices that could sense when a person’s finger was approaching the screen. Once the object was detected, the interface would display a “virtual scroll wheel” navigation pad or virtual keyboard.

During the filing process, Apple noted that this interface would be adapted to work with their current iPod menu interface, which allowed users to use a stylus or their finger to navigate the menu on the iPod’s display screen.

In addition to the innovation that stemmed from the initial touchscreen patent, perhaps the most notable and most popular invention that has been invented by Apple is the iPhone.

In 2007, Apple was issued U.S. Patent number D672769 under “Electronic Device.”  This patent was for the first-generation iPhone, which was introduced by Steve Jobs at the Macworld expo in January, 2007.

The first-generation iPhone included a two-tone back that was primarily made of aluminum, a design feature that the company used again with the release of the iPhone 5.

This patent for the first iPhone essentially revolutionized the smartphone world with its touchscreen capability.

Apple continues to file patents for technologies that they are developing behind the scenes. For instance, the European Patent Office recently published a new patent application from Apple that depicts a fused glass process for device housings. Apple’s most recent patent that was filed lists Jony Ive as one of the inventors. The included illustration shows a double-sided glass construction design that could potentially extend to the iPod, iPad and various other gadgets, including a television covered in glass using the fused glass process.

Only time will tell what patents Apple will file next, but one thing is for sure, their future patents are sure to continue to revolutionize the world of technology.

Copyright Davison 2013.

Sources:

http://appleinsider.com/articles/12/12/18/apple-wins-patent-for-first-iphone-designed-by-jobs-ive

http://appleinsider.com/articles/06/07/20/inside_apples_latest_ipod_touch_screen_patent_filing

http://mashable.com/2013/09/07/iphone-fingerprint-scanner-concept/

http://mashable.com/2013/09/08/apple-iphone-event-what-to-expect/

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57601600-37/apples-sept-10-event-join-us-next-tuesday-live-blog/

http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2013/08/apple-files-patent-for-fused-glass-device-housings-for-tv-more.html

Pictures:

http://www.patentlyapple.com/.a/6a0120a5580826970c0192ac64650b970d-pi

http://appleinsider.com/articles/12/12/18/apple-wins-patent-for-first-iphone-designed-by-jobs-ive

http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2013/08/apple-files-patent-for-fused-glass-device-housings-for-tv-more.html

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It may be hard to believe, but big name companies like Apple, BlackBerry and Sony to name a few, have had their fair share of flops when it comes to inventing the next best gadget.

Here are a few of their failed inventions that they wish they could forget about.

Apple Lisa– This personal computer that was invented 30 years ago in 1983 wasn’t one of Apple’s best products. Due to the fact that this large and boxy-designed product cost a staggering $10,000 and with countless delays in the release date, it seemed that the Apple Lisa was D.O.A. However, aside from the fact that this invention was one of Apple’s biggest gadget flops, the Apple Lisa did, however, become the first personal computer to use a GUI.

A GUI is a graphical user interface which allows the user to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators as opposed to text-based interfaces. The GUI offered a solution to the problem of difficult textual interfaces that were found in earlier computing systems. This interface is now standard on computers.

Solution– Although the Apple Lisa turned out to be a failure, through failure came success for the Macintosh. The first Macintosh was released in January of 1984. With this invention came the iconic Apple Macintosh “1984” Super Bowl ad:

BlackBerry Storm– Everyone has a cell phone and that is why popular brands are constantly creating new ideas for inventions that will outshine their smartphone competitors. In 2008, BlackBerry introduced their first touch screen phone, the Storm, to rival the popular iPhone.  At the time, the new handset used a capacitive touch screen which was a mechanical component that allowed the entire screen to function as a button for confirming selections or initiating actions. However, this idea which was originally supposed to be helpful, turned out to be confusing. The root of this confusion came from the fact that the user could not tell if they had pressed a key or selected an application. In addition, the BlackBerry Storm’s battery life and lack of Wi-Fi connectivity proved to be major problems that were noted by consumers.

Solution– Just like Apple did with the failure of the “Lisa”, BlackBerry went back to the drawing board in order to invent a product that would become a success in the marketplace. In 2010, Research in Motion (RIM), created the BlackBerry 10. The entire phone was, by all appearances, drastically different and included a new operating system that was seen as a big improvement from their previous phones.

In May, BlackBerry announced the Q5, which features a tactile keyboard and 3.1-inch touchscreen. The jury of the general public has not yet decided if the latest attempt by BlackBerry is not guilty of inventing another failed gadget.

Sony Tablet P– In 2012, Sony tried to make their way into the world of tablets, only to realize that their first endeavor didn’t quite make the cut. The Sony Tablet P was a tablet that was small enough to fit in the consumer’s pocket.  Despite its portable-clamshell design, the Sony Tablet P had too many flaws including poor battery life, low internal memory and the device could only be charged using its proprietary power supply.

Solution– Sony said goodbye to the dual screen tablet and jumped on the classic tablet design bandwagon. Along with design upgrades, the Sony Xperia Tablet Z offers high resolution, 16GB of storage and much more.

Although these are just a few of the brands that ran into problems with certain invention ideas, solutions and new gadget innovation are always in the works. It seems that society has reaped the benefits of these companies’ failures, because these same failures fuel their success.

Copyright Davison 2013

Sources:

http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/12-spectacular-gadget-flops-6C10068514

http://inventors.about.com/od/cstartinventions/a/Apple_Computers.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphical_user_interface

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/242033/graphical-user-interface-GUI

http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/01/30-years-in-apple-products-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/

http://www.landsnail.com/apple/local/design/revolution.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_In_Motion

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/technology-news/rims-last-stand-bb10-will-be-a-stunning-success-and-an-inevitable-failure/

http://gigaom.com/2013/01/28/after-a-rise-and-fall-blackberry-10-is-rims-last-best-comeback-attempt/

http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/28/technology/mobile/blackberry-earnings/index.html

http://gizmodo.com/5892643/sony-tablet-p-review-a-whole-lotta-terrible-in-your-pocket

http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/ipad-and-tablets/sony-tablet-p-review-50004946/

http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/pc-mac/tablets/sony-xperia-tablet-z-1133193/review

Multimedia:

http://www.macgeek.org/museum/applelisa1/apple1_00.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIUcNLTsyYo&feature=youtu.be

http://www.gsmdome.com/blackberry/blackberry-storm-pricing-on-vodafone-revealed_1117

http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,3253,l=287043&a=287043&po=14,00.asp

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/30/sony-xperia-tablet-z-review/

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Furthermore, the dawn of wearable gadgets is beginning to make a name for itself in the world of technology. Inventions like the FitBit and the Nike FuelBand, EMBRACE+ and smartwatches are just a few of the new technologies that are slowly, but surely, making an impact.

FitBit– This wearable physical activity device helps the consumer become more active, eat a well-rounded diet and get adequate amounts of sleep. The sleek, compact design of the gadget allows the consumer to discretely pin the device into their pocket or other article of clothing.  Throughout the course of the day, the FitBit logs data, ranging from the number of steps you take to the amount of calories that you burned.

Nike FuelBand– In addition, Nike has a device that tracks physical activity, known as the Nike FuelBand. Nike’s goal with this product is to provide a sense of accomplishment for people doing everyday activities to reach their daily Nike Fuel Points. The FuelBand detects the user’s movement by way of the triaxial accelerometer, which is also found in iPhones.  This technology can sense the movement of the FuelBand and the tilt to which it is held.

EMBRACE+ – This technology is perfect for the consumers who generally keep their smart phones in their purses or pockets. The EMBRACE+ is a wearable technology that alerts the user when they receive a social media notification, important text or incoming call. The technology uses specific colors to indicate what type of notification was sent to their smartphone and helps the user determine if they want to reach for their smartphone or not.  The wristband also includes a security feature that notifies its user when they are too far from their smartphone, which could be very helpful when a smartphone gets stolen or left behind in a public place.

Smartwatches– This wearable device is more than just a timepiece. In fact, the smartwatch can be seen as a wearable computer or a second screen to the alerts on your smartphone via Bluetooth technology. Kickstarter companies, such as Pebble, have developed their own version of the smartwatch.  The Pebble Smartwatch enables the user to receive notifications, including email, SMS and social media alerts, in addition to calendar reminders. For those who like to screen their calls, this smartwatch allows the user to accept or reject incoming calls. Much like the e-paper display, the Pebble watch uses a 114 x 168 black and white screen that displays nearly 20,000 pixels.  This design allows the display to be easily viewed both indoors and outdoors. The Pebble watch isn’t the only device in the wearable watch market.

Technology giant, Apple, is currently working on their own version. As of July 2013, a team of 100 designers and engineers from Apple have been working on the iWatch and it is said that their corporation has filed 79 patents related to smartwatch technology. In addition, Apple recently received a patent for bezel technology that could add touch controls to a bezel on the screen of a small device. The new bezel could be hidden or revealed as needed by the user.

The market for wearable technology continues to expand and only time will tell what new technology will be coming down the pipeline.

Copyright Davison 2013

Resources:

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/fitbit.htm

http://mashable.com/2013/01/31/nike-fuelband/

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/embrace-the-wristband-that-glows-when-you-get-texts-notifications/

http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobile-technology/what-look-in-smart-watch-222729

http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/25/pebble-smartwatch-review/

http://www.trustedreviews.com/pebble_Peripheral_review

http://www.coolage.in/2013/07/29/the-emerging-world-of-smartwatches/

http://techcrunch.com/2013/07/02/new-apple-patent-could-finally-take-gadgets-like-an-iwatch-beyond-the-bezel/

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bezel

Images:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2411271,00.asp

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/embrace-the-wristband-that-glows-when-you-get-texts-notifications/

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/04/pebble-smart-watch-wrist-companion-for-iphone-hits-kickstarter-jackpot/

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1665872/with-fuelband-nike-aims-to-crush-jawbone-up-and-overhaul-nike

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While technology and popular media may have us believing that Apple’s iPhone is an invention we simply can’t live without, experts say there are much more elementary items that may be far more influential.  Those items include elastic bands, bubble wrap and, oh, yes… the paper clip.

In fact, scientists have said that it’s the items that cost mere pennies that we would be lost without.  They may not be as celebrated as the latest SmartPhone, PC tablet or other fancy gadgets, but have you ever used your iPhone to keep your desk clean?! 

According to Hi-Cone Director Ton Hoppenbrouwers, it’s the simple little inventions that are the “hidden heroes.”

“Whether the products hang our clothes, make tea or hold a six-pack, they are indispensable to consumers… They are design classics, which do their job brilliantly,” said Hoppenbrouwers.

By the way, Hi-Cone is the maker of those plastic ring carriers that ever-so-faithfully hold together your six-packs of beer and soda!

Also according to Hoppenbrouwers, like the evolution of the cell phone, these seemingly elementary inventions do evolve to meet society’s changing needs.

“Yes, they evolve to meet changing needs, but they do not change dramatically,” said Hoppenbrouwers.

Think tea bag and K-cup, pencil and mechanical pencil…  and for the day, appreciate the simple things around you, like your light bulbs, pencils and bubble wrap.  But, please, don’t try to play Words With Friends with your paper clips!  

Read more about the simple things we just couldn’t live without here!

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