Apple Patent for Bluetooth-based Wireless Hotspot Prompts iWatch Speculation

In a new patent application for “Network access using short-range connectability“, Apple details a new way of connecting, sharing a network with a second device, using low-power communications, such as Bluetooth. The described technology could lead us closer to understanding what technology Apple could use in its rumoured iWatch (via AppleInsider).

13.11.07-Comm

The method of preserving battery life and maintaining connectivity is similar to the existing Bluetooth technology: the primary device doesn’t have to have a built-in radio receiver, it’s enough for the second device to have one. The first device, however, is able to establish a connection with a remote network, and as the two devices are paired, the second device can provide the necessary communication access by allowing the first device to share data over protocols such as Bluetooth.

Of course, the connection allows push notifications, messages, emails, news, and connection to iCloud services. Preserving battery life is important; therefore, as the task is complete, the shared connection is severed by the host device, and both devices return to low-power sleep mode.

In this manner, users can leverage their mobile radio communication devices, such as their cell phones, to provide network access to their other devices without having to manually enable such connections. In turn, the other devices can benefit from the network access while remaining in low-power mode during a short-range connection that uses a low-power enabled connection, the patent description reads.

The patent application doesn’t specifically mention a watch, but the described technology’s low-power capabilities are in line with features rumoured to be incorporated in the iWatch.

Apple’s patent application was filed in March and credits Daniel Borges, Michael Jason Giles, and Michael Larson as its inventors.

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.