Apple has taken a trip to the patent office again, and its latest idea involves a zany way of transferring information.
Instead of changing contact details through the more conventional method of an e-mail, text, or actually speaking to a person, Apple has theorised that it could be easier to physically touch your new acquaintance.
Apple’s patent describes interacting by shaking hands or high-fiving, with the movement triggering an information transfer.
“The exchange of information can be wholly or partially automated and can occur in response to a device detecting a ‘greeting 25 event’,” reads the patent.
It continues: “In some embodiments, a greeting event is detected when two user devices belonging to different users are in proximity and the users of the devices concurrently execute a greeting gesture, such as a handshake, bow, hand slap, hug, or the like.”
Apple doesn’t precisely detail what sort of data will be transferred, although it does say the method could “facilitate the exchange of information, including but not limited to contact information”.
Related: Apple Watch Tips & Tricks
It’s not an entirely new idea however. The Razer Nabu smartband offers much the same functionality.
However, the Nabu has one major failing in that regard – it’s nowhere near popular enough for it to be a worthwhile feature.
If the Apple Watch can become suitably prolific, however, swapping contact information with gestures could be incredibly useful.
But is the Apple Watch even any good right now? Check out our Apple Watch race across London video to find out:
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
