2016: Innovation & Imagination

Through insider information we received advance notice of product releases that will get you excited for 2016. Incidentally, both these products are from Apple.

This year, Apple released Apple Watch that brought wearable tech to the next level. They’re doing it again next year with another breakthrough called the iRing.

The practical functions for the iRing are mind blowing and will be a great companion for Apple Watch users. While the Apple Watch 38mm has a screen resolution of 272 by 340 pixels, the iRing screen resolution will top out at 55 x 68 pixels. Granted, this will put some limitations on its ability to display information. Numbers and letters will be limited to 4 legible digits/characters. Videos will play back at 32 x 18 pixels. App designers will have to use large and easily identifiable icons for a smooth user experience for iRing users.

iRing Features:

• Ring Face, like the Apple Watch Face, will display a variety of dazzling stones like emerald, turquoise, ruby, etc.
• Vibration alert for new messages and notifications, will display the first 4 characters. It requires Apple Watch to read complete message or notification.
• New communication interface using taps and vibrations, similar to Morse code.
• Requires Apple Watch to connect using Bluetooth 4.2.

Some may consider the second innovation to be a copy of a previous Google product. Truth is, Apple has been secretly working on this since 2011. It’s simply called the iGlass.

iGlass is based on Robert Marc’s Lunor frame, an original design for Steve Job’s signature lenses.

Not only will the iGlass display information sent from your iPhone, Apple Watch, or iRing, it also contains ear buds so you can listen to voice messages or music.

iGlass Features:

• 3 eye blinks to darken lenses on iGlass, instant sunglasses.
• Tap the iGlass app on your iPhone to automatically display the screen onto your iGlass.
• Ability to use all the apps on your iPhone from your iGlass control.

We hope you enjoyed this end-of-the-year farcical post. Happy 2016 to all our followers! Next weekend, we’ll cover a more serious and useful design resources post and get the new year started.