Wearable devices such as the Apple Watch have been gaining in popularity among electronics goods consumers. With the help on miniaturization, wearable technology has added cool new features into otherwise boring accessories, making the devices not only high tech fashion statements but also functional yet portables tools that are capable of executing a host of functions such as blood pressure monitoring and tracking performance in sports.
Understandably, the popularity of wearables also makes them a favorite topic among trend spotters. These days, all eyes are on the upcoming Apple Watch, which is set for launch on Apples big September 12 event. But tech watchers are even more advanced as they have spotted a possible feature of future Apple Watch models - the inclusion of an always-on mode.
According to 9TO5Mac, the next Apple Watch could sport a mode where the screen is always turned on based on a recently uncovered patent application. This feature has been requested by users of the popular Apple wearable device but the company needs to address two issues before the company can put the feature on the next model of the device. And that is where the spotted application comes in as it would solve one of those two noted issues.
The first issue facing the manufacturer is the device's battery life. Putting an always-on mode on the Apple Watch will obviously drain its battery much faster, therefore, limiting its usability. Some devices solved this power drain by the inclusion of a dimmer grayscale mode - which displays only the time and uses less power - when the devices are not being actively used. Apple Watch screens are already capable of saving battery life via their low-power time displays so the company no longer has an issue in this area.
Meanwhile, the second issue that Apple must address is that Apple Watch's OLED screen burn-in if a particular area is always turned on. Burn-ins causes uneven discoloration between frequently used areas of the screen, especially when compared to least used screen areas.
According to the report, Apple's patent filing seems to be the solution to this problem. It won't prevent a burn-in from happening but will compensate for it when it does which could make the issue no longer glaringly noticeable. This is done by artificially adjusting the colors and brightness of specific areas of the OLED screen and Apple\s patent is about a storage method for screen usage data.
Unfortunately, this always-on mode will not likely be included in the latest Apple Watch models slated for launch during the September 12 event. For more details, just stay tuned to Business Times for the latest updates on your favorite gadgets.
