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Apple Granted Patent for Weightlifting Tracker That Utilizes Watch-Like Device

Apple has been awarded a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (via AppleInsider (http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/06/10/apple-patent-hints-at-iwatch-enabled-weightlifting-tracker)) that details a weightlifting tracker that could pair with a watch-like device to provide live progress-tracking to users, offering a potential scenario where Apple's highly-rumored iWatch (http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iwatch/) could be used.
 
 The patent details how a transmitter could attach itself to a weightlifting bar to count repetitions in real time. The transmitter itself is described as having a number of components, including an accelerometer, processor, Hall effect sensor, and display. While some scenarios describe the sensor as showing live information all by itself, a few note that the small beacons could transfer data to devices such as a watch or phone.
 
 (http://cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2014/06/lifting_patent_sensor_on_bar.jpg)
  <center> A sensor (500) shown on-top of a body bar </center>

In one embodiment, display 512 is part of a watch (or a MP3 player or a cell phone) that may be seen when worn or used by the user when performing exercises; and measurements determined by processor are transmitted to the watch (or to the MP3 player or cell phone) for display.

In a situation where data is transferred to a watch, the patent notes that the watch's housing could include a processor to store data and inform the user of repetitions for workouts over time. This would allow the device to breakdown a user's workout with the use of multiple sensors, even giving information about the body bar or other equipment used.
 
 Whether Apple integrates the technology described in the patent into a specific product remains to be seen. However, recent (http://www.macrumors.com/2014/06/06/iwatch-october-ios-8-curved-oled-screen/) reports (http://www.macrumors.com/2014/02/13/apple-biometrics-team-lamego/) surrounding the iWatch have described the device as having a multitude of biometric sensors to track a number of health-related metrics, including activity levels.
 
 Furthermore, it is likely that the iWatch will integrate with iOS 8's recently introduced Health app (http://www.macrumors.com/2014/06/02/apple-health-initiative/), which provides an easy to read dashboard of health and fitness data that can be pulled from different sources. Apple also debuted (http://www.macrumors.com/2014/06/04/apple-tv-ad-strength/) a new TV ad called "Strength" last week that focused on fitness accessories and apps.
 
 Apple's iWatch is expected to launch later this year, with a recent report (http://www.macrumors.com/2014/06/06/apple-iwatch-october/) stating that the company is aiming for an October unveiling and release date.
 
 
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Source: Apple Granted Patent for Weightlifting Tracker That Utilizes Watch-Like Device (http://www.macrumors.com/2014/06/10/apple-patent-weightlifting-tracker-watch/)