Apple granted patent on wireless chargingJuly 20, 2017 - 14:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Apple was granted a new patent this week, one that’s particularly interesting given Apple’s upcoming HomePod and rumors of a wirelessly charging iPhone 8: an iPhone dock that could have Siri and a wireless charger built in, The Verge says. The patent, officially for a “Smart dock for activating a voice recognition mode of a portable electronic device,” is pretty broad. It covers a dock that could recognize that an iPhone had been placed into it and activate a microphone that could listen for voice commands to allow users to control a phone from across a room. In other words, it’s a Siri dock. The patent also covers multiple ways of charging said iPhone, including wireless charging, and describes docks that range just simple connectors with a microphone and speaker to full-fledged miniature computers with buttons and displays. The interesting part is how this could tie in to Apple’s HomePod strategy. Many users, including myself, have pointed out that while Apple has the expensive $349 HomePod, it’s tough to argue that that product alone could compete with a $180 Echo, let alone Amazon’s $50 Echo Dot. A Siri-infused dock could work a lot like an Echo Dot, as a smaller, cheaper option for users looking to integrate Apple’s digital assistant into their homes. It’s also important to note that Apple filed for this patent back in 2012, which could mean that it’s an idea that the company has been developing for years and refining, or that any possible products stemming from this were abandoned a long time ago. Top stories Yerevan will host the 2024 edition of the World Congress On Information Technology (WCIT). Rustam Badasyan said due to the lack of such regulation, the state budget is deprived of VAT revenues. Krisp’s smart noise suppression tech silences ambient sounds and isolates your voice for calls. Gurgen Khachatryan claimed that the "illegalities have been taking place in 2020." Partner news Most popular in the section | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |