There are reports in the Chinese media that a BYD smartwatch patent with alcohol detection capability has gotten approval. The approval by the country’s intellectual property office is a critical step in the evolution of the smartwatch. The design summary of the BYD smartwatch patent shows it can detect alcohol intake, in addition to other health sensors. These include heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure monitoring.
There had been rumors since 2021 about a
BYD smartwatch in development. It announced a BYD-branded smartwatch in 2021
that could unlock BYD vehicles. Its features included smart ignition, smart
locking, comfortable entry, as well as opening the car’s tailgate. The watch,
however, did not make it to the market and BYD has been silent on it.
The new patent indicates a simple layout
design for the smartwatch. It bears some semblance with the Apple Watch and
joins a growing fad for automakers to have companion smartwatches for their
cars. These smartwatches can be paired with the car’s app to deliver a raft of
services. The new smartwatch will be expected to be compatible with BYD cars.
There are no official details or timeline for the release of the BYD smartwatch
with alcohol detection.
The reports of the BYD smartwatch patent
with alcohol detection function point to a possible release in the future. BYD
continues to chalk impressive numbers but alcohol intake detection is a new
technology. There are varying degrees of accuracy for alcohol detection
smartwatches in the market. There are some that come with sensors and others
feature blowpipes for increased precision. The impact of alcohol on a driver’s
system while driving can be disastrous. Hence BYD’s patent is important.
