PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11716560-B1
Application Number: US-202117219180-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Wireless headphone accessory

Abstract:
An accessory for wireless earbuds can include a first receiving portion defining a first cavity sized to receive and retain a first earbud and a second receiving portion defining a second cavity sized to receive and retain a second earbud. Each receiving portion can include a charging component to electrically couple with the respective earbud. The accessory can include a flexible portion connected to the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion, the flexible portion at least partially defining an internal volume, and a battery disposed in the internal volume and electrically coupled with the charging components.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An accessory for a first and a second wireless earbud, the accessory comprising:
 a first receiving portion defining a first cavity sized to receive the first wireless earbud, the first receiving portion comprising a first charging component; 
 a second receiving portion defining a second cavity sized to receive the second wireless earbud, the second receiving portion comprising a second charging component; 
 a flexible portion connected to the first receiving portion, the flexible portion comprising a first connector to removably attach the flexible portion to an extension component, the flexible portion at least partially defining an internal volume; 
 the extension component comprising:
 a first end removably attachable to the first connector; 
 a second end removably attachable to a second connector of the second receiving portion; and 
 
 a battery disposed in the internal volume and electrically coupled with the first charging component and the second charging component. 
 
     
     
       2. The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first receiving portion comprises a first magnet; 
 the first charging component comprises an electrical contact disposed in the first cavity; 
 the second receiving portion comprises a second magnet, to releasably attach to the first magnet; 
 the second charging component comprises an electrical contact disposed in the second cavity; and 
 the battery comprises a flexible battery. 
 
     
     
       3. The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first charging component comprises a first induction coil; and 
 the second charging component comprises a second induction coil. 
 
     
     
       4. The accessory of  claim 1 , further comprising a polymer material molded over the flexible portion, the first receiving portion, and the second receiving portion. 
     
     
       5. The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible portion has a substantially constant cross-sectional area. 
     
     
       6. The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible portion comprises a touch sensitive component. 
     
     
       7. The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible portion comprises a display. 
     
     
       8. The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible portion comprises:
 a first flexible section attached to the first receiving portion, the first flexible section including the first connector opposite the first receiving portion. 
 
     
     
       9. The accessory of  claim 8 , wherein the extension component comprises a supplemental battery disposed in the extension component. 
     
     
       10. The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the first receiving portion further comprises an audio amplifier. 
     
     
       11. A wireless earbud charger, comprising:
 a first end defining a first earbud cavity sized to receive a first earbud; 
 a charging component disposed in the first end; 
 a first attachment feature connected to the first end; and 
 a second end defining a second earbud cavity sized to receive a second earbud and including a second attachment feature, the second attachment feature configured to releasably attach to the first attachment feature; 
 wherein, when the second attachment feature is attached to the first attachment feature:
 the first end occludes the second earbud cavity; and 
 the second end occludes the first earbud cavity. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The wireless earbud charger of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the first attachment feature comprises a first magnet; and 
 the second attachment feature comprises a second magnet. 
 
     
     
       13. The wireless earbud charger of  claim 11 , further comprising a flexible portion electrically coupled with the charging component, the flexible portion including a battery. 
     
     
       14. The wireless earbud charger of  claim 13 , wherein the flexible portion further comprises a display. 
     
     
       15. The wireless earbud charger of  claim 11 , wherein the charging component comprises an inductive coil. 
     
     
       16. The wireless earbud charger of  claim 11 , further comprising an audio amplifier defined by the first end. 
     
     
       17. An accessory for wireless earbuds, the accessory comprising:
 a first end defining a first earbud cavity, the first end comprising:
 a first earbud charging component; 
 a first magnetic coupler; and 
 a first audio amplification feature defining a shape configured to amplify a sound from a first earbud; 
 
 a second end defining a second earbud cavity, the second end comprising:
 a second earbud charging component; 
 a second magnetic coupler; and 
 a second audio amplification feature defining a shape configured to amplify a sound from a second earbud; 
 
 a flexible portion connected to the first end and the second end, the flexible portion defining an internal volume; and 
 a battery disposed in the internal volume and electrically coupled with the first earbud charging component and the second earbud charging component. 
 
     
     
       18. The accessory of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of the first audio amplification feature or the second audio amplification feature comprises a passive amplification feature. 
     
     
       19. The accessory of  claim 17 , further comprising an electrical component disposed in the internal volume. 
     
     
       20. The accessory of  claim 19 , wherein the accessory comprises a loop when the first magnetic coupler is attached to the second magnetic coupler.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/083,748, filed 25 Sep. 2020, and entitled “WIRELESS HEADPHONE ACCESSORY,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to accessories for electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to accessories for wireless audio devices such as earbuds and headphones. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent advances in technology have driven electronic devices to encompass smaller form factors while providing increased battery life, performance, and durability. These attributes have contributed to electronic devices, such as smartphones, which are portable and provide instantaneous resources that enhance the daily activities of the user. While some portable electronic devices can be carried in a pocket or a purse, some activities do not permit the use of pockets or purses to store an electronic device. For example, some portable electronic devices are commonly used to listen to music while a user of the portable electronic device is jogging or otherwise exercising. Accessories for portable electronic devices having features to retain the portable electronic device to the user, however, are traditionally bulky and may be uncomfortable, or may not provide certain desired features, such as charging capabilities. Thus, improvements and advances to accessories for electronic devices can be desirable to reliably retain the electronic device in a convenient form factor while providing other desired features. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some examples of the present disclosure, an accessory for a first and a second wireless earbud can include a first receiving portion defining a first cavity sized to receive the first wireless earbud, the first receiving portion including a first charging component, a second receiving portion defining a second cavity sized to receive a second wireless earbud, the second receiving portion including a second charging component, a flexible portion connected to the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion, the flexible portion at least partially defining an internal volume, and a battery disposed in the internal volume and electrically coupled with the first charging component and the second charging component. 
     In some examples, the first receiving portion includes a first magnet, the first charging component includes an electrical contact disposed in the first cavity, the second receiving portion includes a second magnet, the second charging component includes an electrical contact disposed in the second cavity, and the battery includes a flexible battery. In some examples, the first charging component is a first induction coil and the second charging component is a second induction coil. A polymer material can be molded over the flexible portion, the first receiving portion, and the second receiving portion. The flexible portion can have a substantially constant cross-sectional area. The flexible portion can also include a touch sensitive component. The flexible portion can also include a display. 
     In some examples, the flexible portion can include a first flexible section attached to the first receiving portion, the first flexible section including a first connector opposite the first receiving portion. A second flexible section can also be attached to the second receiving portion, the second flexible section including a second connector opposite the second receiving portion. The accessory can also include an extension component, the extension component including a first end including a third connector, a second end including a fourth connector, and a supplemental battery disposed in the extension component. The first receiving portion can also include an audio amplifier. 
     According to some examples, a wireless earbud charger can include a first end defining an earbud cavity, a charging component disposed in the first end, a first attachment feature connected to the first end, and a second end including a second attachment feature. In some examples, the first attachment feature can include a first magnet, and the second attachment feature can include a second magnet. The wireless earbud charger can further include a flexible portion electrically coupled with the charging component, the flexible portion including a battery. In some examples, the flexible portion further includes a display. Additionally, the charging component can include an inductive coil. The wireless earbud charger can also include an audio amplifier defined by the first end. 
     According to some examples, an accessory for wireless earbuds includes a first end defining a first earbud cavity, the first end including a first earbud charging component, a first magnetic coupler, and a first audio amplification feature. In some examples, the accessory further includes a second end defining a second earbud cavity, the second end including a second earbud charging component, a second magnetic coupler, and a second audio amplification feature. A battery can be electrically coupled with the first earbud charging component and the second earbud charging component. 
     In some examples, of the accessory, at least one of the first audio amplification feature or the second audio amplification feature can include a passive amplification feature. The accessory can also include a flexible portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the flexible portion including the battery. In some examples the accessory forms a loop when the first magnetic coupler is attached to the second magnetic coupler. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  shows a front view of an accessory and wireless earbuds. 
         FIG.  1 B  shows a front view of the accessory of  FIG.  1 A  with the wireless earbuds disposed therein. 
         FIG.  1 C  shows a front view of the accessory of  FIG.  1 B  in an alternate configuration. 
         FIG.  2 A  shows a perspective view of an accessory and wireless earbuds. 
         FIG.  2 B  shows a perspective view of the accessory of  FIG.  2 A  in an alternate configuration. 
         FIG.  2 C  shows a perspective view of components of the accessory of  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  2 D  shows a close-up view of a portion of the accessory of  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  3 A  shows a perspective view of an accessory for wireless earbuds. 
         FIG.  3 B  shows a perspective view of an accessory for wireless earbuds. 
         FIG.  3 C  shows a perspective view of an accessory for wireless earbuds. 
         FIG.  3 D  shows a schematic view of an accessory for wireless earbuds. 
         FIG.  3 E  shows a schematic view of the accessory of  FIG.  3 D  in an alternate configuration. 
         FIG.  4 A  shows a front view of an accessory and wireless earbuds. 
         FIG.  4 B  shows a front view of the accessory of  FIG.  4 A  in an alternate configuration. 
         FIG.  4 C  shows a side view of the accessory of  FIG.  4 B . 
         FIG.  5 A  shows a perspective view of components of an accessory for wireless earbuds. 
         FIG.  5 B  shows a close-up view of a portion of the accessory of  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  6 A  shows various accessories for wireless earbuds positioned on a user. 
         FIG.  6 B  shows an accessory for wireless earbuds positioned on an item. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments, as defined by the appended claims. 
     Portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet computing devices, and smartwatches, have become commonplace and are increasingly used along with audio devices, including personal audio devices like headphones and/or earbuds to perform a variety of audio or acoustic functions. For example, a user can listen to music, conduct a telephone call, and even interact or command a portable electronic device through audio devices, such as wireless earbuds, that are paired or coupled to the portable electronic device. The wireless nature of such audio devices, however, often means that such devices rely on a battery for power during use. Further, such audio devices may be relatively small in size and may not be physically connected to one another. Accordingly, it can be desirable to store such devices in an accessory or other device. 
     Traditional accessories for audio devices, including accessories for wireless earbuds, can include a power supply or a battery that can be used to charge the earbuds when not in use. This can mean, however, that a user must not use the wireless earbuds in order to charge them. Accordingly, if a user is conducting a telephone call while the earbuds run out of battery, the user may need to stop or interrupt the call to recharge the earbuds. Thus, it can be desirable to provide an accessory that can recharge personal audio devices, such as wireless earbuds, while also allowing a user to continue using the personal audio device, or to use the accessory as an auxiliary or supplementary audio device. 
     Traditional accessories for electronic devices and audio devices can also have a form factor that allows the accessory to be stored in a user&#39;s pocket or bag. Some situations, however, can inherently prevent a user from retaining their portable electronic device on their persons (e.g., within a pants pocket or a purse). For example, some clothing, such as exercise clothing, can be devoid of pockets or otherwise inadequate to retain one or more portable electronic devices. Accordingly, it can be desirable for an accessory of one or more portable electronic devices to be attachable or securable to an object for storage both when in use and when not in use. In some examples, an accessory, as described herein, can be configurable between a first open state and a second closed state. In an open state, the accessory can be positioned adjacent to a desired object, such as a strap, a belt, or an appendage of a user, including a wrist or neck. The accessory can be manipulated into the closed state, for example to define a loop that can at least partially surround the object to retain the accessory thereon. In this manner, the accessories described herein can be ergonomically and conveniently stored in a variety of situations. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 6 C . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG.  1 A  shows a front view of an accessory  100  for one or more electronic devices, such as headphones or earbuds. In the present example, the accessory  100  can receive and retain one or more wireless audio devices, such as a pair of wireless earbuds  130 ,  132 . Although various examples are described herein with respect to wireless earbuds, the principles, structures, and concepts described herein can apply to accessories for any form of electronic or audio devices as desired, including earbuds that can be physically connected to one another with a tether or wire. As used herein, the term wireless earbud is meant to be interpreted broadly to include any wireless ocular device that is designed to at least partially reside in a single ear of a user and to provide audio to the user. 
     As shown, the accessory  100  can include a first receiving portion  110  and a second receiving portion  112 . The first and second receiving portions  110 ,  112  can be physically connected to one another by a housing portion  120 . In some examples, some or all of the housing portion  120  can be flexible or bendable and can be referred to as a flexible portion  120 . In some examples, however, the first and second receiving portions  110 ,  112  can be directly connected to one another, or can even be encompassed or at least partially contained within a housing or a portion of a housing. 
     The housing portion  120  or flexible portion  120  can at least partially define an internal volume and can contain one or more operational or electrical components at least partially within the internal volume. As used herein, the term operational component can refer to any component that provides, serves, or is capable of providing an electrical, magnetic, and/or mechanical function other than a merely structural or physical support. For example, the flexible portion  120  can define an internal volume and a power supply, battery, and processor or controller can be disposed in the internal volume. As described further herein, one or more of the operational or electrical components, such as a battery, can be electrically coupled with the first receiving portion  110  and/or the second receiving portion  112 . Additionally, in the present example, the entire flexible portion  120  can be flexible or bendable. In some other examples, some or all of the flexible portion  120  can be relatively rigid, stiff, or inflexible as described herein. 
     The first receiving portion  110  can define a first cavity  113  that can be sized to receive and/or encompass at least a portion of the first earbud  130 . In some examples, and as shown, the first cavity  113  can be sized to receive and/or encompass substantially the entire first earbud  130 . The first receiving portion  110  can also include one or more retaining elements that can serve to removably retain the first earbud  130  in the first cavity  113 . In some examples, a retaining element can include a mechanical retaining element and/or a magnetic retaining element. That is, in some examples a retaining element can include a latch, clip, clasp, interference fit, and/or other mechanical feature that can removably retain the earbud  130  in the first cavity  113 . In some examples, the retaining element can include a magnetic retaining element. That is, the retaining element can include one or more permanent and/or electromagnets that can interact with one or more magnetic components of the first earbud  130  to removable retain the first earbud  130  in the cavity  113 . 
     The second receiving portion  112  can be substantially similar to the first receiving portion  110  and can include some or all of the same features or components. The second receiving portion  112  can define a second receiving cavity  114  that can be sized to receive and/or encompass at least a portion of the second earbud  132 . In some examples, where the first and second earbuds  130 ,  132  are substantially similar to one another but are mirror images of one another, the second receiving portion  112  and/or the second cavity  114  can be substantially similar to, but a mirror image of the first receiving portion  110  and/or the first cavity  113 . 
     Although the examples described herein are illustrated with particular shapes, it should be understood that the accessories, earbuds, receiving portions, flexible portions, and/or cavities described herein are not limited to any particular shape, configuration, number, geometry, or arrangement. In some examples, accessories, earbuds, receiving portions, flexible portions, cavities, and/or other portions or components can have different shapes or configurations as desired. Further details regarding the accessory  100  are described with respect to  FIG.  1 B . 
       FIG.  1 B  shows a front view of the accessory  100  with the first and second earbuds  130 ,  132  disposed and retained in the respective first and second cavities  113 ,  114 . As described further herein, in some examples, the first and second receiving portions  110 ,  112  can each define an opening in communication with the respective first and second cavities  113 ,  114  and the ambient environment. In some examples, this opening can allow for the first and second earbuds  130 ,  132  to be inserted into the respective first and second cavities  113 ,  114  through the openings define by each of the first receiving portion  110  and second receiving portion  112 . In some examples, some or all of the material of the first and second receiving portions  110 ,  112  can be compliant and/or deformable to allow for some or all of the first and second receiving portions  110 ,  112  to be bent or deformed so that a user can easily remove the earbuds  130 ,  132  from the cavities  113 ,  114 . 
     In some examples, the cavities  113 ,  114  defined by the first and second receiving portions  110 ,  112  can entirely, or substantially entirely surround or encompass the first and second earbuds  130 ,  132 . That is, no part of the earbuds  130 ,  132 , may protrude from the first receiving portion  110  or the second receiving portion  112 . In some examples, however, the first and second cavities  113 ,  114  may not entirely encompass the earbuds  130 ,  132 , and thus at least a portion of the first earbud  130  and/or second earbud  132  may protrude from the respective first receiving portion  110  and/or second receiving portion  112 . 
     As described herein, the first receiving portion  110  and the second receiving portion  112  can include retaining elements to removably retain the earbuds  130 ,  132  in their respective first and second cavities  113 ,  114 . In some examples, the first receiving portion  110  can further include a charging component that can electrically couple with the first earbud  130  when the first earbud  130  is retained in the first cavity  113 . In some examples, the charging component can include one, two, or any number of charging contacts. The charging contact or contacts can physically contact corresponding contacts disposed at an exterior surface of the earbud  130  to thereby make a direct electrical connection or coupling between the charging component and the earbud  130 . The charging component can be electrically coupled to a power supply, battery, and/or other operational component of the accessory  100  and thus can serve to provide power and/or signals from the accessory  100  to the earbud  130 , for example to charge the earbud  130 . 
     In some examples, the charging component can be an inductive charging component and can include an induction coil. That is, in some examples, the charging component can inductively couple with the earbud  130 , such as a corresponding induction coil in the earbud  130 , to provide electrical power and/or signals to and/or from the earbud  130 . In some examples, some or all of the charging component, including an induction coil thereof, can be positioned in an internal volume of the accessory that is at least partially defined by the flexible portion  120  and/or the first receiving portion  110 . 
     In some examples, the second receiving portion  112  can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the first receiving portion  110 . Although, as described herein, in some examples the second receiving portion  112  can have a mirrored configuration as compared with the first receiving portion so as to correspond to the second earbud  132 . Accordingly, the second receiving portion  112  can include a charging component. The charging component can include one, two, or more physical contacts, or can include an inductive charging component including an induction coil positioned to align with a corresponding induction coil of the second earbud  132 . Further details regarding the accessory  100  are described with respect to  FIG.  1 C . 
       FIG.  1 C  shows a front view of the accessory  100  in an alternate or closed configuration. As can be seen, in some examples, the first receiving portion  110  and the second receiving portion  112  can be removably attached, connected, or mated to one another so that the first receiving portion  110 , second receiving portion  112 , and flexible portion  120  define a loop having a central aperture or hole. In some examples, the first receiving portion  110  can be removably attached to the second receiving portion  112  so that each receiving portion occludes the cavity, or opening in communication with the cavity of the other receiving portion. That is, in some examples the first receiving portion  110  can occlude the opening defined by the second receiving portion  112  and the second receiving portion  112  can occlude the opening defined by the first receiving portion  110 . Further, a periphery of the openings and/or cavities  113 ,  114  can be aligned with one another and the first cavity  113  can thus be in communication with the second cavity  114  when the accessory  100  is in the closed configuration. In this way, the earbuds  130 ,  132  disposed in the first and second receiving portion  110 ,  112  can be securely retained therein. 
     As can be seen, some or all of the flexible portion  120  can bend or flex to allow the first and second receiving portions  110 ,  112  to align and attach to each other in a desired manner. In some examples, some or all of the flexible portion  120  can be flexible and may not be self-supporting in a desired position. That is, if the flexible portion  120  is bent into a configuration and released, gravity can freely act to move the flexible portion  120  to a different position uncles the first and second receiving portions  110 ,  112  are attached to one another. In some examples, however, the flexible portion  120  can be self-supporting. That is, if a user bends the flexible portion  120  into a configuration or position, the flexible portion  120  will remain in that position until it is bent or moved again by the user. Accordingly, in some examples, the flexible portion  120  can act as a type of attachment feature if it is bent such that the first and second receiving portions  110 ,  112  align and/or contact one another. 
     In some examples, the accessory  100 , for example the first and/or second receiving portions  110 ,  112  can include one or more attachment features that can removably attach the first and second receiving portions  110 ,  112  to one another. The attachment feature or features can include a mechanical attachment feature, a magnetic attachment feature, or substantially any components or features that can removably or releasably attach the first receiving portion  110  to the second receiving portion  112  as described herein. Further details regarding accessories including attachment features are described with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D   
       FIG.  2 A  shows a perspective view of an accessory  200  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the accessories described herein, such as accessory  100 . As with accessory  100 , the accessory  200  can be designed to receive and retain a pair of wireless earbuds  230 ,  232 , although the concepts and structure described with respect to the accessory  200  can be used to receive and retain substantially any electronic device or multiple electronic devices as desired. 
     The accessory  200  can include a first receiving portion  210  that can define a first cavity  213  sized to receive and retain the first earbud  230 . The accessory can also include a second receiving portion  212  that can define a second cavity  214  sized to receive and retain the second earbud  232 . The first receiving portion  210  is connected or coupled to the second receiving portion  212  by a flexible housing portion  220 . 
     The flexible portion  220  can include a relatively rigid or inflexible section  221 . In some examples, as illustrated, the rigid section  221  can be located in the middle or center of the flexible portion  220  between the first and second receiving portions  210 ,  212 . Although, in some other examples, the rigid section  221  can be located at any position, or multiple positions of the flexible portion  220 . In some examples, the rigid section  221  can at least partially define an internal volume that can include one or more operational and/or electrical components. For example, the accessory  200  can include relatively inflexible components, such as one or more circuits, processors, or printed circuit boards, and these components can be disposed in the portion of the internal volume defined by the rigid section  221 , while other flexible components may be disposed in other parts of the internal volume defined by the flexible portion. 
     The first receiving portion  210  can include a first attachment feature  223 . In the present example, the first attachment feature  223  can be positioned at an end of the first receiving portion  210  opposite the part of the first receiving portion  210  that is connected to the flexible portion  220 . As described with respect to  FIG.  1 B , and further herein, the first receiving portion  210  can define an opening in communication with the cavity  213  that can be sized to allow the first earbud  230  to pass through the opening into the cavity  213 . In some examples, the attachment feature  223  can be positioned around all or at least some of the periphery of the opening and/or the periphery of the cavity  213 . 
     In some examples, the attachment feature  223  can include magnetic material. That is, the attachment feature  223  can include one or more permanent and/or electromagnets. For example, the attachment feature  223  can include magnetic material that is formed into a shape corresponding to the periphery of the opening and/or cavity  213 . In some examples, the attachment feature  223  can include one or multiple portions of magnetic material. In those examples where the attachment feature  223  includes magnetic material, the magnetic material can be coated or overmolded with a non-magnetic material, such as a polymer material. In some examples, the attachment feature  223  can be coated with the same material as the flexible portion  220  as described herein. 
     The attachment feature of the accessory  200  can include a second attachment feature  224  in addition to the first attachment feature  223 . As with other features of the second receiving portion  212 , the second attachment feature  224  can be substantially similar to the first attachment feature  223 , but may have a mirrored shape or configuration. That is, the second attachment feature  224  can include a second magnet or second magnetic material that can be positioned or oriented such that it is magnetically attracted to the magnet or magnetic material of the first attachment features  223 . Further details of alternate configurations of the accessory  200  and the first and second attachment features  223 ,  224  are described with respect to  FIG.  2 B . 
       FIG.  2 B  shows a perspective view of the accessory  200  in an alternate or closed configuration. As with the accessory  100  described with respect to  FIG.  1 C , the first receiving portion  210  and the second receiving portion  212  can be removably attached, connected, or mated to one another so that the first receiving portion  210 , second receiving portion  212 , and flexible portion  220  define a loop having a central aperture or hole. The first attachment feature  223  can align and removably couple or connect to the second attachment feature  224 . 
     The first receiving portion  210  can be removably attached to the second receiving portion  212  so that each receiving portion occludes the cavity, or opening in communication with the cavity of the other receiving portion. A periphery of the openings and/or cavities  213 ,  214  can be aligned with one another and the first cavity  213  can thus be in communication with the second cavity  214  when the accessory  200  is in the closed configuration. In this way, the earbuds  230 ,  232  disposed in the first and second receiving portions  210 ,  212  can be securely retained therein. 
     In some examples, the flexible portion  220 , including the rigid section  221 , as well as some or all of the first receiving portion  210  and the second receiving portion  212  can include a relatively soft and/or compliant material that can at least partially define an exterior surface of the accessory  200 . In some examples, the compliant material can include one or more polymers. In some examples, the compliant material can include silicone and/or silicone rubber. Further, in some examples, the compliant material can be overmolded around some or all of the flexible portion  220 , including the rigid section  221 , as well as some or all of the first receiving portion  210  and the second receiving portion  212 . Further details regarding the accessory  200 , including the operational components thereof are described with respect to  FIG.  2 C . 
       FIG.  2 C  shows a perspective view of the accessory  200 , including operational components disposed in an internal volume at least partially defined by the flexible portion  220 . The flexible portion  220  itself is shown in dashed lines. In some examples, the accessory  200  can include at least one charging component  244  that can be positioned in the flexible portion  220  and/or one or both of the first receiving portion  210  and the second receiving portion  212 . In the present examples, the charging component  244  can be positioned in the accessory  200  such that an end of the earbud  232  can contact, abut, or be positioned substantially near or adjacent to the charging component  244  to electrically couple therewith as described herein. Accordingly, the charging component  244  can provide power to the earbud  232 , for example to charge or recharge the earbud  232  as desired. The accessory  200  can also include a second charging component 
     The charging component  244  itself can be electrically coupled with a battery  240 . In some examples, the battery  240  is disposed in the internal volume at least partially defined by the flexible portion  220 . Further, the battery  240  can have a shape that can be substantially similar to, or correspond to a shape of the flexible portion and/or the internal volume defined by the flexible portion. For example, as shown, where the flexible portion  220  can have a substantially tubular or cylindrical shape, the battery  240  can also have a substantially tubular or cylindrical shape. In some examples, the battery  240  can be a flexible battery. That is, the battery  240  can be bent or flexed without damaging the battery  240 . In some examples, the battery  240  can include one or more rigid or inflexible cells or portions that are connected by flexible components, to thereby allow the entire battery assembly  240  to flex even if some portions of it may not be flexible themselves. Additionally, in some examples, the flexible portion  220  can include or define a substantially constant cross-sectional area. 
     It will be understood that the term battery, as used herein, relates not only to a single battery cell but also to a group of batteries used in series or parallel, or a combination of both. Further, although certain examples described herein may only refer to a single battery, it will be understood that the accessories and devices described herein can include multiple batteries connected in series or parallel, or a combination of both. 
     The accessory  200  can also include a power supply  242  that can be electrically coupled with the one or more batteries  240  of the accessory  200 . In some examples where the flexible portion  220  includes a rigid section  221 , the power supply  242  can be positioned in the part of the internal volume at least partially defined by the rigid section  221 . In some examples, the power supply  242  can be electrically coupled with the one or more charging components  244  of the accessory, for example through the battery  240  as shown. In some examples, the power supply  242  can include an inductive charging component, such as an induction coil. The induction coil of the power supply  242  can allow for the battery  240  to be charged when the power supply  242  is electrically and/or inductively coupled with a power source, such as a charging component, or other electronic device. In some examples, however, the power supply can include a physical port, such as a lighting port and/or USB-C port that can be in communication with the ambient environment, for example through an aperture or hole defined by the flexible portion  220  and/or rigid section  221 . The accessory  200  can also include other operational components, for example one or more processors, controllers, wireless communication components disposed in the internal volume defined by the flexible portion  220  and/or rigid section  221 . In some examples, the wireless communication components can be in communication with, and send and/or receive signals to and from the wireless earbuds  230 ,  232 . The wireless communication component or components can operate over any frequencies or standards as desired, including Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, LTE, and/or Wi-Fi. Further details regarding the accessory  200  and the second receiving portion  212  are described with respect to  FIG.  2 D   
       FIG.  2 D  shows a close-up view of the second receiving portion  212  of the accessory  200 , including the second earbud  232  disposed in the cavity  214  defined by the second receiving portion  212 . As described herein, the second receiving portion  212  can include a second attachment feature  224  that can itself include magnetic material. The magnetic material can be disposed at least partially around a periphery of the cavity  214  and/or an opening in communication with the cavity  214 . Further, as described herein, the flexible portion  220  and the second receiving portion  212  can be overmolded with a compliant material, such as a polymeric material. In some examples, the polymeric material can include silicone. In some examples, the second attachment feature  224  can be overmolded with the same or a similar compliant material as the flexible portion  220  and/or the second attachment feature  224 . In some examples, however, the second attachment feature  224  can include a different material. In some examples, this material can serve to seal against the corresponding first attachment feature of  223 . In some examples, the material defining the exterior surface of the second attachment feature  224  can be the same as the material that overmolds the flexible portion  220  and/or the second retaining portion  212 , but can have a different color and/or texture. Further, some or all of the attachment feature  224  and/or second receiving portion  212  can be compliant or bendable to allow a user to deform the attachment feature  224  and/or second receiving portion  212  to easily remove the earbud  232  from the cavity  214 . Additional details regarding the exteriors and various features of accessories are described with respect to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E . 
       FIG.  3 A  shows a perspective view of an accessory  200  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the accessories described herein, such as accessories  100  and  200 . As with accessory  100 , the accessory  300  can be designed to receive and retain a pair of wireless earbuds, although the concepts and structure described with respect to the accessory  300  can be used to receive and retain substantially any electronic device or multiple electronic devices as desired. 
     The accessory  300  can include a first receiving portion  310  that can define a first cavity sized to receive and retain the first earbud. The accessory can also include a second receiving portion  312  that can define a second cavity sized to receive and retain the second earbud. The first receiving portion  310  is connected or coupled to the second receiving portion  312  by a flexible housing portion  320 . As with the flexible portion  220 , the flexible portion  320  can define an internal volume and one or more operational and/or electrical components can be disposed therein. 
     In some examples, the flexible portion  320 , as well as some or all of the first receiving portion  310  and the second receiving portion  312  can include a relatively soft and/or compliant material that can at least partially define an exterior surface of the accessory  300 . In some examples, and as shown, the accessory  300  can include a fabric, textile, cloth, woven, and/or knitted material that can at least partially define the exterior surface of the accessory  300 . In some examples, the fabric or woven material can substantially encompass or surround the flexible portion  320 , as well as some or all of the first receiving portion  310  and the second receiving portion  312 . In some examples, the material can include leather, natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, combination natural and synthetic fabrics, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the fabric exterior of the accessory  300  can provide a user with a comfortable experience when interacting with or touching the accessory  300 , such as when wearing the accessory  300  as described further herein. Further details of an accessory  400  are described with respect to  FIG.  3 B . 
       FIG.  3 B  shows a perspective view of an accessory  400  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the accessories described herein, such as accessories  100 ,  200 ,  300 . As with accessory  100 , the accessory  400  can be designed to receive and retain a pair of wireless earbuds, although the concepts and structure described with respect to the accessory  400  can be used to receive and retain substantially any electronic device or multiple electronic devices as desired. 
     The accessory  400  can include a first receiving portion  410  that can define a first cavity sized to receive and retain the first earbud. The accessory can also include a second receiving portion  412  that can define a second cavity sized to receive and retain the second earbud. The first receiving portion  410  is connected or coupled to the second receiving portion  412  by a flexible housing portion  420 . As with the flexible portion  220 , the flexible portion  420  can define an internal volume and one or more operational and/or electrical components can be disposed therein. 
     In some examples, the accessory  400  can include a display component  440  positioned at the exterior surface of the accessory  400 . In some examples, the display component  440  can be part of, disposed on or in the flexible portion  420 . For example, the display component  440  can be disposed at a central region of the flexible portion  420  opposite the first and second receiving portions  423 ,  424 . In some examples, some or all of the display component  440  can be at least partially disposed in the internal volume defined by the flexible portion  420  and can be operatively and/or electrically coupled with one or more other components of the accessory  400 , such as a processor, power supply, and/or memory. The display component  440  can include an LED display, LCD display, OLED display, e-ink display, AMOLED display, QLED display, or substantially any type of display as desired. Further, although a single display component  440  is shown, the accessory  400  can include multiple display components positioned at any location or locations on the accessory  400  as desired. 
     As shown, the display component  440  can display various information that may be relevant to a user. For example, the display component  440  can display a volume indicator  441 , information related to music or audio that may be playing through earbuds that are associated with the accessory  400 , and/or a battery indicator  443  that can be display a state of charge of a battery of the accessory  400  and/or the earbuds associated with the accessory  400 . In some examples, the display component  440  can be a touch sensitive display component. Thus, the display component  440  can include a resistive and/or capacitive touch sensitive component that can be operatively coupled to one or more other components of the device. In these examples, the touch sensitive component can allow a user to interact with and provide inputs to the accessory  400 . For example, a user can drag a finger over the volume slide  441  shown on the display  440  to change a volume of an acoustic output produced by earbuds associated with the accessory  400 . Further examples, of an accessory  400  including a display component  440  are described with respect to  FIG.  3 C . 
       FIG.  3 C  shows a perspective view of an accessory  400  for wireless earbuds including a different display component  440  than shown in the examples described with respect to  FIG.  3 B . In this example, the display component  440  can include multiple illumination components  444 ,  445 . For example, the display component  440  can include multiple LEDs that can be operatively coupled to one or more components of the accessory  400  and that can be selectively illuminated to provide information to a user. In the present example, illumination components  444  can be illuminated while illumination components  445  may not be illuminated in order to convey to a user a state of charge of a battery, a volume of an acoustic output of associated earbuds, a time remaining in a playing audio file, or any other information as desired. As described with respect to  FIG.  3 B , the display component  440  can be a touch sensitive display component. Further details and features of an accessory  500  are described with respect to  FIG.  3 D . 
       FIG.  3 D  shows a schematic view of an accessory  500  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the accessories described herein, such as accessories  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . As with accessory  100 , the accessory  500  can be designed to receive and retain a pair of wireless earbuds, although the concepts and structure described with respect to the accessory  500  can be used to receive and retain substantially any electronic device or multiple electronic devices, as desired. 
     The accessory  500  can include a first receiving portion  510  that can define a first cavity  513  sized to receive and/or retain the first earbud  530 . The accessory  500  can also include a second receiving portion  512  that can define a second cavity  514  sized to receive and retain the second earbud  532 . The first receiving portion  510  is connected or coupled to the second receiving portion  512  by a first flexible portion  520  and a second flexible portion  522 . As with the flexible portions described herein, one or both of the flexible portions  520 ,  522  can define an internal volume and one or more operational and/or electrical components can be disposed therein. 
     The first flexible portion  520  can further include a first connector  523 , while the second flexible portion  522  can include a second connector  524 . The first connector  523  can be positioned at an end of the first flexible portion  520  opposite the first receiving portion  510 , while the second connector  524  can be positioned at an end of the second flexible portion  522  opposite the second receiving portion  512 . In some examples, the first connector  523  and the second connector  524  can be removably attached, connected, or coupled to one another. As shown in  FIG.  3 D , when the first and second connectors  523 ,  524  are attached to one another the accessory  500  can function in a substantially similar manner to the other accessories described herein, such as accessories  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . While the first connector  523  and the second connector  524  are illustrated and described as begin positioned at the end of each flexible portion  520 ,  522  and connected end to end, the first connector  523  and the second connector  524  can be connected in any number of configurations including, but in no way limited to, an overlapping or overlaid connection with the first connector  523  and the second connector  524  positioned in sidewall locations of the flexible portions  520 ,  522 . According to this example, the accessory  500  can be at least partially wrapped along itself and still be connected to form a closed loop for attachment to a desired location. Additionally, the flexible nature of the present accessory  500  allows for the accessory to be wrapped any number of times to function as a bracelet or other accessory, and can have a modified size and shape, depending on the number of loops that are formed. In some examples, additional connectors can be disposed throughout the accessory  500  to facilitate various physical connection sites. 
     The accessory  500  can also include an extension component  526 . The extension component  526  can at least partially define an internal volume and can carry one or more operational and/or electrical components disposed therein. For example, the extension component  526  can include a supplemental battery or batteries disposed in the internal volume. The extension component  526  can be flexible and can include some or all of the features of the flexible portions described herein. The extension component  526  can include a third connector  527  and a fourth connector  528  that can be positioned at opposite ends of the extension component  526 . Further details regarding alternate configurations of the accessory  500  including the extension component  526  are described with respect to  FIG.  3 E . 
       FIG.  3 E  shows a schematic view of the accessory  500  in a second or alternate configuration. As shown, in some examples, the first and second connectors  523 ,  524  can be decoupled from one another. The first connector  523  can be removably attached to the third connector  527  of the extension component  526 , while the second connector  524  can be removably attached to the fourth connector  528 . In this way, the extension component  526  can extend a length of the flexible portion of the accessory  500 . That is, the flexible portion can now include the first flexible portion  520 , the extension component  526 , and the second flexible portion  522 . 
     In some examples, any operational and/or electrical components disposed in the internal volume of the flexible component  526 , such as a battery, can be electrically or operatively coupled to one or more components of the first flexible portion  520 , second flexible portion  522 , and/or first and second receiving portions  510 ,  512 . In some examples, operational and/or electrical components, such as one or more batteries, of the extension component  526  can be electrically coupled to other components of the accessory  500  through the first, second, third, and/or fourth connectors  523 ,  524 ,  527 ,  528 . In this way, the battery life of the accessory  500  can be increased or extended by a user as desired. The extension portion  526  can also allow the accessory  500  to be secured to or around objects that may have been too large for the loop defined by the accessory to surround. For example, the accessory  500  shown in  FIG.  3 D  may be worn as a bracelet by a user as described further herein, while the accessory  500  shown in  FIG.  3 E  may be worn by a user as a necklace. 
     Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in the accessory for the portable electronic device. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of an accessory having a housing with structures described herein, and defining one or more internal volumes and/or cavities, as well as the concepts regarding flexible portions, can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of examples in any combination. Various examples of accessories including amplification features are described below, with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 6 B . 
       FIG.  4 A  shows a front view of an accessory  600  that can receive and/or retain an electronic device or devices therein, such as wireless earbuds  630 ,  632 . The accessory  600  can include some or all of the features of the other accessories described herein. The accessory  600  can have a base portion  620  and a lid  622  that can be moveably or rotatably attached to the base portion  620 . The base can at least partially define a first cavity  613  sized to receive and/or retain the first earbud  630  and a second cavity  614  that can be sized to receive and/or retain the second earbud  632 . In some examples, the lid  622  can also at least partially define the first and second cavities  613 ,  614 . The lid can be rotated or moved between an open position that allow access to the first and second cavities  613 ,  614 , and a closed position wherein the cavities  613 ,  614  are not accessible. 
     In some examples, the accessory  600  can include an amplification feature  621 . The amplification feature can serve to amplify or increase the volume of an acoustic output produced by one or both of the earbuds  630 ,  632 . In this way, the earbuds  630 ,  632  and the accessory  600  can cooperate to act as a loudspeaker and can provide an acoustic output at a desirably high volume and fidelity. This can allow a user to listen to an acoustic output from the earbuds  630 ,  632  when the earbuds  630 ,  632  are worn in the user&#39;s ear, and then store the earbuds  630 ,  632  in the accessory  600  to produce a loud enough acoustic output that can be heard by multiple users, for example. Additionally or alternatively, if the user is listening to an acoustic output and/or conducting a telephone call while wearing the earbuds  630 ,  632 , but the earbuds  630 ,  632  run out of battery then the user can store the earbuds  630 ,  632  in the accessory  600  to simultaneously charge the earbuds  630 ,  632  and continue listening to the acoustic output and/or conducting the telephone call through the amplification feature  621  of the accessory  600 . 
     In some examples, the amplification feature  621  or amplifier can be a passive amplification feature  621  and/or an active amplification feature  621 . Where the amplification feature  621  includes a passive amplification feature  621 , the amplification feature  621  can have or define a shape that is configured to amplify the volume of an acoustic output produced by the first and/or the second earbud  630 ,  632  without the need for additional power to be provided to the amplification feature  621  and/or without the need for the amplification feature  621  to include any moving and/or electronic parts. In some examples, the amplification feature  621  can define an aperture in communication with an ambient environment and the first cavity  613  and/or the second cavity  614 . In some examples, the amplification feature  621  can have or define a shape that is configured to amplify the volume of an acoustic output produced by the first and/or the second earbud  630 ,  632 , such as a conical or horn shape. 
     Where the amplification feature  621  includes an active amplification feature  621 , the amplification feature  621  can include one or more mechanical, magnetic, and/or electrical components that can serve to amplify or increase the volume of an acoustic output produced by one or both of the earbuds  630 ,  632 . Additionally, or alternatively, the amplification feature can receive one or more signals, such as audio signals, from the earbuds  630 ,  632  and/or an electronic device in communication with the earbuds  630 ,  632  to produce an acoustic output, for example through a transducer or other components. In some examples, the amplification feature  621  can produce a directional acoustic output, and/or can amplify an acoustic output in a directional manner based at least in part on an acoustic output from an earbud. A directional acoustic signal or sound can spread less than a traditionally produced acoustic signal. That is, a directional acoustic signal can be aimed in a particular direction or directions and may only be heard by users in that direction and not by others outside of the desired direction. In this way, an acoustic signal can be heard by a desired user and not be others even though the desired user may not be wearing earbuds or other in-ear or over-ear audio device. Further details of the accessory  600  are described with respect to  FIG.  4 B . 
       FIG.  4 B  shows a front view of the accessory  600  in an alternate or closed configuration. As described with respect to the accessories herein, the earbuds  630 ,  632  can be inserted into the cavities  613 ,  614  and can be protected and retained therein when the lid  622  is closed. Further, as can be seen in  FIG.  4 B , in some examples the amplification feature  621  can be part of, or can be defined by both the base  620  and the lid  622 .  FIG.  4 C  shows a side view of the accessory  600  including the amplification feature  621 . As described with respect to  FIG.  4 A , in this particular example the amplification feature  621  can include one or more components, such as transducer  623 , that can amplify an acoustic output from one or both earbuds  630 ,  632  and/or that can generate an acoustic output based at least in part on an audio signal provide by the earbuds  630 ,  632  and/or a device connected to the earbuds  630 ,  632 . 
     Although the accessory  600  is shown as having a particular shape and configuration, the concepts and components, such as an amplification feature  621 , can be included in any of the accessories described herein. Further details of accessories including amplification features and associated components are described with respect to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . 
       FIG.  5 A  shows a perspective view of components of an accessory  700  for wireless earbuds  730 ,  732 . The accessory  700  can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the accessories described herein, such as accessory  200 . The accessory  700  can include operational components disposed in an internal volume at least partially defined by the flexible portion  720  as described herein. The flexible portion  720  itself is shown in dashed lines. The accessory  700  can include a first receiving portion  710  that can define a first cavity  713  sized to receive and retain the first earbud  730 . The accessory can also include a second receiving portion  712  that can define a second cavity  714  sized to receive and retain the second earbud  732 . The first receiving portion  710  is connected or coupled to the second receiving portion  712  by a flexible housing portion  720 . 
     In some examples, the first receiving portion  710  can include a first amplification feature  721 . In some examples, as described with respect to  FIG.  4 A , the first amplification feature  721  can include a passive and/or active amplification feature. In some examples, the first amplification feature  721  can have or define a shape that is configured to amplify the volume of an acoustic output produced by the first earbud  730 . In some examples, the first amplification feature  721  can define an aperture in communication with an ambient environment and the first cavity  713 . Similarly, the second receiving portion  712  can include a second amplification feature  722 . The second amplification feature  722  can include a passive and/or active amplification feature. In some examples, the second amplification feature  722  can have or define a shape that is configured to amplify the volume of an acoustic output produced by the second earbud  732 . In some examples, the second amplification feature  722  can define an aperture in communication with an ambient environment and the second cavity  714 . 
       FIG.  5 B  shows a close-up view of the second receiving portion  710 , including the second amplification feature  722 . As can be seen, the second amplification feature can define an aperture that is in communication with the ambient environment and the cavity  714 , including the second earbud  732  when it is disposed in the cavity  714 . Additionally, in some examples, the aperture defined by the second amplification feature  722  can align with a driver or acoustic component of the second earbud  732 . Further details of the accessories described herein, including various configurations thereof, are described with respect to  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B . 
       FIG.  6 A  shows a user  801  with various accessories  810 ,  820 ,  830  disposed on the user&#39;s person and/or attached to the user  801  or clothing or accessories being worn by the user  801 . The accessories  810 ,  820  can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the accessories described herein, including a flexible portion that can at least partially define a loop and first and second receiving portions that can be removably attachable to one another to define the loop. 
     As can be seen, an accessory as described herein can be looped around an article of clothing, accessory, body part or appendage of a user  801 , or any other object as desired to retain the accessory thereon. For example, the accessory  810  can be passed through or around a strap or portion of a backpack being worn by the user when the accessory  810  is in an open configuration as shown in  FIG.  1 B . The accessory  810  can then manipulated into a closed configuration, for example as shown in  FIG.  1 C , to retain or secure the accessory  810  around the strap. In some examples, an accessory  820  can be positioned adjacent to the user&#39;s neck when in an open configuration and can be retained or secured around the user&#39;s neck when in a closed configuration, for example in the form of a necklace. Similarly, in some examples, an accessory  830  can be positioned adjacent to the user&#39;s wrist when in an open configuration and can be retained or secured around the user&#39;s wrist when in a closed configuration, for example in the form of a bracelet. 
     In some examples, an accessory  810  as described herein can include one or more amplification features. In some examples, the amplification feature or features can be an active amplification feature that can produce a directional acoustic signal  811  as described herein. By producing or amplifying directional sound  811  as shown, the accessory  810  can allow the user  801  to hear the sound  811  while other people, even those standing directly next to the user  801 , may not be able to hear the sound  811 . In this way, a user  801  can, for example, continue a phone call being conducted through earbuds when the earbuds are in the accessory  810  and can still maintain a desired level of privacy. 
       FIG.  6 B  shows an accessory  910  as described herein removably attached or secured to an object  901 , such as a keychain or keyring. The accessory  910  can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the accessories described herein, including a flexible portion that can at least partially define a loop and first and second receiving portions that can be removably attachable to one another to define the loop. As can be seen, in some examples, the accessory  910  can define a loop that can be removably attached to one or more accessories or objects  901  to allow for convenient storage and transport of the accessory  910  whether it is storing earbuds or other devices, or whether the accessory  910  is empty. In some examples, the material that at least partially defines the exterior surface of the accessory  910 , including the silicone material described herein, can allow for a desired level of durability. This material can allow the accessory  910  to withstand everyday use without significant amounts of damage or wear. For example, the accessory  910  can be secured to a keyring  901  that also has keys  902  secured thereto. While in use, the keys  902  may contact the accessory  910 , however the durable exterior of the accessory  910  can withstand such contact without showing significant or undesirable levels of wear of damage. 
     Any of the features or aspects of the accessories discussed herein can be combined or included in any combination. Further, any electronic devices, including headphones, earbuds, smartwatches, or any other portable electronic devices described herein, can be housed entirely or partially within one or more cavities defined by the accessory. For example, one or more portable electronic devices or components thereof can be disposed within a first cavity and a second cavity that are connected by a flexible member or portion. 
     To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that may be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210331
Publication Date: 20230801
Grant Date: 20230801
Priority Date: 20200925
Inventors: CRETELLA, KRISTEN L.
MILLER, CHAD J.
PODHAJNY, DANIEL A.
HOOVER, JOSHUA A.
TRINCIA, NICHOLAS R.
KIM, SEUL BI
LEITH, WILLIAM
ZOU, YI
CHEN, YUE
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2460/17", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/107", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 87472946