On Thursday, July 7, Apple has granted a patent for an AirPods safety feature that could help detect when a user is at risk. 

AirPods could either pause what the user is listening to or lower the volume, to help them concentrate on the potential danger, like while crossing the street. 

The patent can also describe a possible Apple smart workout mat that detects if you are exercising safely. 

AirPods' Patent Includes Sensors

Apple has been exploring the possibility of using existing sensors to add functionality to AirPods. 

The research done by Cornell University has shown how AirPods microphones could detect the user's respiration rate during or after exercise. The patent describes a potential way to mix data from Apple products to add features. 

Also Read: How To Pair Your AirPods With Your Apple, Android, And Windows Device 

AirPods Built-In Safety Feature

According to 9to5Mac, Apple explains in the patent document that AirPods can be great for both education and entertainment, but it also has risks.

Apple noted that the recent advances in portable computing had given users new content to consume in almost any setting. 

Wearing electronic devices, like headphones, earbuds, glasses, and other products, substantially provide audio to a user wherever or whenever the user may be. 

While this facilitates user choice, it also has the side effect of consuming a user's attention or otherwise distracting the user in some situations. This may affect the user's safety as well as the safety of those around them. 

How AirPods' GPS Works

Apple stated that GPS data transmitted from an iPhone or Apple Watch could be combined with the AirPods sensors to know the location and speed of the user and that one or both AirPods is in the ear, according to Patently Apple.

This means that the GPS data could show that you are walking towards a busy intersection and that both AirPods are in your ears, meaning you may not be aware of traffic when you cross the road. 

In these situations, the AirPods could pause playback, or it could reduce volume, as it would serve to alert the user of potential danger or better enable them to be aware of the traffic movement. 

When the user walks next to a road, the AirPods might only cut or reduce the volume to the ear facing the traffic. 

The direction of motion may indicate a user is moving along a shoulder of a road with their right side toward the road. The audio output to the right ear will be adjusted automatically. 

If the motion data suggests that the user is walking with their left side towards the road, the audio output of the left AirPod may be adjusted. 

Suppose the user's speed and motion indicate that they are cycling, and the position data shows that they are cycling along a busy road. In that case, the AirPods could reduce the volume on both sides to give the user a better situational awareness. 

The patent submitted by Apple also shows that the AirPods may provide or suggest a language similar to the user's native country.  

Related Article: Apple AirPods 2022: How to Make Your Lost AirPods Ring to Help You Find Them 

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Written by Sophie Webster