Manzana received a patent for a color-changing Apple Watch band that would be controlled by an app. It was this Tuesday, February 21, according to Patent Applewhen the United States Patent and Trademark Office officially granted the patent.
According to a report published on the website of mashablethe aforementioned Office explains that “the band includes electrochromic characteristics that provide adjustable color control based on an applied voltage to offer a variety of colors and color combinations displayed on a single band”.
The electrochromic material is best known as the technology behind anti-glare mirrors in cars and smart glass windows that regulate heat and become tinted or opaque.
In this case, the patent describes how the filaments or fibers of the web can include conductors and electrochromic layers that respond when voltage is applied to them. Then, the filaments are woven into fabric like any normal fabric band. The diagrams show three strips of fabric that can independently display different colors.
How will the color changing strap work?
Through a system, presumably an Apple Watch or iPhone interface, users can “control, select and/or adjust watch band colors”. Possibly it will be an app.
The patent also explains how the user can manually change the color or adjust it automatically based on time, date, text, icons and notifications. So your watch band may change color if you receive a new text message or your alarm goes off.
Importantly, these color-changing Apple Watch bands may never hit the market. The Cupertino company usually develops these patents, but some do not materialize. Also, today’s interchangeable smartwatch straps are a lucrative business.
