Here are your Apple Rumors for today:
Cover: A new Apple (AAPL) patent shows off new features that could be added to Smart Covers, reports AppleInsider. The patent is titled “Device Input Modes With Corresponding User Interfaces.” In the patent are details for a system that would allow iPads to offer users different types of interfaces depending on how far open they are. Lifting one section of the Smart Cover could give users the ability to check notifications and further opening it could let them respond to emails without unlocking the device. There is even a possibility that the Smart Cover could let users turn up volume or perform other actions while the device is locked via gestures.
Apps: BlackBerry (BBRY) CEO John Chen wants the U.S. Government to force Apple to make iMessage available on his company’s devices, MacRumors notes. According to the BlackBerry CEO, companies should be forced to offer their apps on all devices. He claims that the lack of certain apps is what has harmed sales of the company’s tech. He also notes that BlackBerry allows iPhone users to download its app store to their devices, but that Apple doesn’t allow BlackBerry users to do the same with its app store.
Battery: Reports from unnamed sources claim to have details on the battery life of the upcoming Apple Watch, reports 9to5Mac. According to these sources, the Watch will be able to last for two to three days in standby or low-power mode. However, when being actively used, such as for playing games, the wearable tech is estimated to only last for two to three hours. Fitness apps are expected to last for four hours before draining the device of battery life. Sources also claim that the device will be powered by a chip that is comparable to the A5 chip that is in the current generation of the iPod Touch.
