Apple envisions environmental sensors for wearables

A couple of patent filings envision two features that could pop up in a future iPhone as well as the much-rumored Apple iWatch.Published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, "Electronic Devices With Environmental Sensors" and "Electronic Devices With Temperature Sensors" both highlight specific types of sensors designed for electronic devices. Those devices include computers and gaming equipment as well as cellular phones, wrist-watch devices, and pendant devices.The first patent application discusses environmental sensors that could check the outside temperature, pressure, humidity, and other factors. The sensors might also tap into a microphone to measure sound.The second application focuses more on temperature sensors in the form of a thermometer mounted into a button on the device. Those sensors would then measure anything that comes into contact with the button, whether it's the surrounding air to detect the outside temperature or your own finger to detect your body's temperature.Last month, a Chinese analyst claimed that the iPhone 6 could come with its own barometer to detect the temperature, humidity, and air pressure. Reports have also suggested that Apple's rumored iWatch would be able to track a user's health and fitness through an iOS 8 app called Healthbook.(Via AppleInsider)

Apple employees can now score $500 off Macs, $250 off iPads

Those of you who work for Apple can now enjoy a $500 discount off the purchase of a Mac and $250 off an iPad.The new employee discounts kicked off yesterday, says 9to5Mac, and make good on a promise made by CEO Tim Cook back in January. Related storiesHands-on: MacBook Pro with Retina displayli>MacBook Pro with Retina Display ships in '2-3 weeks'Microsoft's Surface tablet vs. the iPad: Seven challengesAs usual, there's both good and bad news. The new benefits are on top of the normal 25 percent discount that Apple employees receive. But Mac minis and the new Retina MacBook Pro model are both excluded from the $500 cut in price. Other conditions apply, as detailed by Electronista.Employees can only use the discount once very three years and must have been working for Apple for at least 90 days. Still, the discounts do shave a healthy amount of money off a new Mac or iPad.CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story when we get more information.MacBook Pro with Retina Display: Hands-on...See full gallery1 - 4 / 17NextPrev