Apple News
Apple Watch could soon adjust iPhone volume based on ambient noise
A new Apple patent application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reveals the Cupertino company is working on a system that would allow Apple Watch to automatically adjust the volume on your iPhone based on ambient noise.
If the contribution is outside acceptable levels, the patent abstract explains, a wearable device can notify an iPhone to adjust its alert volume or other alert characteristics.
By comparing an alert sound recorded by a wearable device against a stored reference signal based on ambient noise samples, a sound threshold analysis algorithm would determine precise volume adjustments.
Having an Apple Watch record ambient sounds is a smart idea, argues Apple, as the device is likely to be relatively exposed to the ambient air while it is being worn.
“In some embodiments an iPhone sends a notification signal to the wearable prior to playing an audible alert,” explains AppleInsider. “The receiving Apple Watch listens for the incoming tone and compares the signal against a stored ambient noise reference signal.”