Facial Recognition, Beacon-Based Geofencing, Liquid Metal Technology Among New Apple Patents

By Christine Kern, contributing writer

A few weeks ago, Apple received 36 separate patents, covering technology including facial recognition, beacon-based geofencing, and liquid metal technology according to Patently Apple. A complete list may be found here, on Latest Patents.

Ranging from “conflict avoidance in a device configured to operate according to multiple cellular communications protocols” to “locking and unlocking a mobile device using facial recognition,” and “cold chamber die casting of amorphous alloys using cold crucible induction melting techniques,” the list of patents hints at the next big announcements that may come from Apple.

Patently Apple explains, Apple’s newly granted patent covers the use of facial recognition to lock and unlock a mobile device, adding a layer of security to their devices. Apple’s new beacon-based geofencing patent “covers their invention relating to methods, program products, and systems for multi-tier geofence detection.” This includes their indoor mapping technology, as Business Solutions Magazine reported. The technology uses wireless transmitters such as Wi-Fi transmitters, Bluetooth beacons, RFID, or other wireless transmission devices, that then transmit signals to mobile devices. It combines the mapping of static structures with the geolocation technology of tracking devices.

Mac World concludes the patents support speculations that Apple will release not just versions of the iPhone 6 but also an iPhone 7 in the coming months.