Apple recently submitted a patent hinting at an upcoming interactive case. The device will let people access apps linked to the AirPods and control audio settings. For example, you could open Weather and Maps using the case. Also, the smart case will likely have a touchscreen as a control interface.
The patent suggests the case will let users switch between apps using Siri commands. In other words, the alleged AirPods case may receive and perform voice commands. Moreover, the document had images, which suggests the case could transfer songs from AirPods to a HomePod using the Handoff app.
Apple filed the patent on September 19, 2022, which means it may realize this concept. However, the tech firm files numerous patents, but it hasn’t turned them into real devices. Nevertheless, seeing an AirPods case with more features would be cool.
What are the features of the AirPods case?
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Apple filed the patent on September 19, 2022, and the US Patent and Trademark Office published it on March 30, 2023. Its title is “Devices, Methods, and Graphical User Interface Interactions With A Headphones Case.”
It details the gadget’s features, such as the potential design and features. The patent said, “Audio output device cases are commonly passive devices used to charge audio output devices.”
The document added, “The utility of a headphone case can be enhanced, and user control over a user’s wireless headphones can be improved.” Then, the patent explained it is possible “by configuring a headphone case with an interactive user interface.”
One illustration shows Apple wants the AirPods case to offer Apple Music control via the touchscreen. It will let you control your favorite songs, volume, and audio playback.
Another patent segment shows that the smart case will respond to gestures like swipes and taps. As a result, it will let people navigate onscreen content and activate Siri.
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Also, the company described how someone could squeeze the AirPods carrier to change the listening mode. For example, it would switch the AirPods from Adaptive Transparency to Noise Cancelation mode. The company explained the device with the following statement:
“There is a need for a headphone case device that can control operations that are traditionally associated with headphones (e.g., playback controls, changing audio sources, changing audio output modes, etc.). There is a further need for a headphone case that can also convey information to a user through haptics and/or display devices.”
“Such methods and interfaces optionally complement conventional methods for controlling wireless headphones. Such methods and interfaces reduce the number, extent, and/or nature of the inputs from a user and produce a more efficient human-machine interface.”
What are the features of the AirPods 2nd-Gen?
We cannot confirm Apple will turn the patent into a real AirPods case. However, you may want to check its latest version, called the AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
As mentioned earlier, it has Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Transparency modes. The Noise Cancellation mode lets you hear your songs clearly outdoors.
It prevents background noises from passing through your AirPods. As a result, you can listen to music in loud environments like construction sites.
Photo Credit: forbes.com
On the other hand, Transparency Mode lets you hear your surroundings while listening to music. The AirPods also have numerous sensors that let Transparency Mode become “Adaptive.”
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These headphones can maintain ambient noise at a specific level, depending on your preferences. In other words, you can make background sounds clear or muffled while jamming to your tunes.
The 2nd-Gen AirPods also offers Conversation Boost. This setting ensures you can hear someone clearly while talking to them on a phone call. Moreover, it comes in handy during a face-to-face conversation via FaceTime.
Conclusion
Apple released a patent detailing a new design for a smart AirPods case. It suggests the device will let people control the headphones and Apple Music via a touchscreen.
At the time of writing, the tech firm hasn’t confirmed the release date of this gadget. Moreover, we cannot confirm whether the Cupertino giant will truly sell this product.
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