Huawei patents touch-sensitive bezel for smartwatches

Huawei patent for a touch-sensitive bezel for smartwatches was approved by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). According to the document, the edge of the watch will have eight zones that can send various commands, when triggered in various combinations. It will allow Huawei to adds extra controls without the need for more buttons, similar to the rotating bezel solution of the Samsung Gear gadgets.

The images show the bezel will be separated into eight symmetrical zones. Combined with two zones for physical buttons on top and bottom and the circular touchscreen, Huawei is preparing for a revolution in the control of smartwatches.

While current physical rotating bezels offer scroll, with the touch-sensitive edge you will also be able to zoom in and out, and also perform “screw” gestures. There will also be clicks and even force touch features.

Huawei already developed a technology that will enable usage regardless of material. The bezel could be stainless steel, plastic, aluminum or ceramic, while the strap can be even rubber or leather. Its functionality is developed to be comfortable both for left and right-handed users.

The Huawei Watch 2 with Android Wear 2.0 was introduced at MWC 2017 in Barcelona. We have to wait and see if the company will launch a 3rd generation smartwatch at the 2018 conference next month.

Source | Via (in Dutch)