Apple continues to work on maximizing the benefits and capabilities of the Apple Watch's Digital Crown, with research surfacing regarding how the physical rotation could be supplemented or replaced by sensors that detect light or touch.
Apple has been researching how to fit a camera lens into an Apple Watch, and one proposal is to make it part of the familiar Digital Crown.
The Digital Crown of the Apple Watch could provide extra ways to interact with the wearable device in a future version, with the ability to use it as a joystick by adding three-dimensional force sensing.
A series of Augmented Reality-related patent applications demonstrates that Apple is researching multiple ways that "Apple Glass" wearers can control their devices, and interact with or adjust what they're viewing.
One new Apple patent details how a device like flat Digital Crown could be made to include an optical sensor to register gestures, incorporating mechanisms and sensors to guarantee a proper watch band fit.
The Apple Watch Digital Crown might be more flexible in the future, as Apple has come up with a way to turn the smartwatch button into a simple joystick by moving the rotational crown element laterally.
The Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular features a unique aesthetic decision, placing a large and noticeable red dot on the Digital Crown, that may not be appealing to all buyers. Thankfully, there are a few decent options for covering it up with a decal.
The new addition of "Theater Mode" to watchOS can be combined with the Apple Watch Series 2 feature "Wake Screen on Crown Up" to check the time on your watch in an extremely discreet, unobtrusive low-light fashion. Here's how to combine the two features.
LG and Google's next-generation Android Wear smartwatch expected in early February is said to be adopting a Digital Crown — similar to the technology Apple pioneered in its wearable Apple Watch.
Through regular daily use, the rotating Digital Crown on the Apple Watch can collect dirt, debris and general gunk underneath, making it feel sticky to turn or press. Thankfully, Apple recommends a simple and quick fix that should return it to normal.
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William Gallagher
Malcolm Owen
Neil Hughes
Mike Wuerthele
AppleInsider Staff
