In an era where technology has significantly reduced the physical boundaries of communication, the desire for more accessible and seamless experiences is still apparent. Meta Platforms Technologies has recently been granted a patent, titled "Coordinated video streaming and messaging using a wrist-wearable gadget and a head-worn wearable gadget, and methods of use thereof" (US Patent Number US11736605B2).
A prevalent issue with current devices, like computers or phones, used for video calls, is that they usually require us to be stationary or have at least one hand occupied, which may limit multitasking. Additionally, prolonged video calls lead to high energy usage and high temperatures, requiring dedicated power sources or cooling solutions. Simply put, they aren't made for being on-the-go.
Recognizing this gap, the new patent introduces two wearable gadgets, one on the head and one on the wrist, to facilitate a better, hands-free video calling experience. The head device comes equipped with a camera to record video, while the wrist device is a compact receiver that allows the user to view incoming messages from people watching the video.
This coordination of devices could provide a significant leap in how we multitask. For instance, someone could engage in video calls while hiking, cooking, or shopping, all without the need to constantly hold a phone. Imagine a chef broadcasting a live cooking lesson from his kitchen, hands-free, while addressing incoming questions or comments directly from his wrist device. On the other end, food enthusiasts across the globe could watch, learn, and interact without any interruption.
This patent could pave the way for an era where we are not bound by our devices but rather where our devices adapt to our fluid, everyday lives. However, it is essential to note that while this patent promises an innovative solution to common problems, like all patents, there's no guarantee this invention will manifest in the marketplace.
P.S. Although this new technology's prospects seem very promising, it is a patent, which means there is no surety whether it will see the light of day in the consumer market. Keep in mind; patents are tools to protect an innovation, not a pledge of a product release.