Apple gets a smartwatch patent

On Tuesday the US Patent office granted Apple the patent for a wrist-worn electronic device that can communicate with a phone, this adds further fuel to the rumour fire that the company are working on some kind of smartwatch device, something that Apple still deny.

The Patent request was submitted back in 2011 but has only recently been made public and although it does not specificity mention smartwatch or contain any real details of a wearable device, it does state a lot of information that would allow such a device to be developed.

“The invention pertains to an electronic wristwatch. According to one embodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electrical circuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be a mobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additional electrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristband to augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices” 

Could the release of this Patent indicate that Apple are close to revealing the “iWatch” or is this just business a usual ?

Source: PCWorld.com