Apple patent filing ups rumors of iWatch

Patent filings by Apple suggest the California company is considering an iWatch concept with a flexible touchscreen display, an Apple-watching website says.

AppleInsider says the filings suggest Apple is investigating a wearable accessory device boasting a full-length flexible touchscreen display that would conforms to a user's body through the use of a bi-stable spring "slap bracelet" mechanism.

Such bracelets -- which are straight like a metal tape measure until "slapped" around the wrist -- have been popular with children.

The watch would connect to a portable device like a smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth or WiFi to display information in real time, AppleInsider said.

In addition to displaying information the watch could interact with a smartphone, the filing said.

"With a touch screen user input a user can accomplish a number of different tasks including adjusting the order of a current playlist, and reviewing a list of recent phone calls. A response to a current text message can even be managed given a simple virtual keyboard configuration across the face of the flexible display," the filing said.

Small solar panels could be included in the watch band to boost battery life, the filing said.

Rumors regarding a possible iWatch have been increasing as wearable computing is considered a logical next step for mobile technology, CNET reported.