A new patent filing reveals that Peloton has designed an updated tablet with two key updates: a new rotatable camera system, as well as voice controls.
First, the new filing shows that Peloton could allow for the Bike, Tread, or Row user interface to be controlled by voice commands, as well as actions like pausing a class or adjusting the volume with an updated tablet. This is a feature the Peloton Guide has supported since it was released, but has not made it to the Peloton Bike, Tread, or Row.
The patent notes the voice control aspects, saying:
In one or more embodiments, microphone 114 may be used for a voice control feature of the user interface of display device 100. For instance, the illustrated microphone layout and positioning may facilitate voice capture and recognition during workout sessions. In other embodiments, microphone 114 may be used for bidirectional communication between the user and a third party.
It goes on to share the utility of “providing the user with a hands-free option for controlling display.” A small update to go along with this is a physical switch on the screen that would allow for disabling the microphone if the user wanted it to be turned off. This is another feature the Guide has which no other device has had until this point. This physical microphone switch is labeled as item “102” in the patent images of the updated screen that could be used on the Bike, Tread, or Row, seen at the top center of the images below of the Peloton screen.
Another update that the patent shows (which presumably could be used on all devices – a Peloton Bike, Tread, or Row) is a new rotatable camera system.
On all current tablets, the camera used is a small camera embedded in the device. Some of these tablets have a small sliding privacy cover, allowing you to slide a piece of plastic to block the camera.
The new patent shows a larger camera system being used – with the patent itself revolving around how the camera can be rotated to different positions & angles.
The summary of the patent notes:
The display device may include a camera mounted in the housing and configured to rotate relative to the housing, in response to a manipulation by the user, between an exposed orientation wherein the camera is configured to capture images of the user, and a concealed orientation wherein the camera is obscured from capturing images of the user.
The standard position is forward facing. However, the user is able to rotate the camera so that the lens is fully hidden – meaning the camera is no longer able to record the user.
In addition to these two positions (forward, and off), the camera is able to rotate to two other positions. The camera can be rotated to a slightly upward angle, as well as to a slightly downward angle. Both of these positions can be used while the device is in use, and capture the user at different angles.
The description of the patent goes into detail on this, saying:
The camera being able to move between different orientations may allow for privacy of a user. For instance, when the camera of the display is in a concealed orientation, the camera may be powered off and obscured from capturing images of the user. Furthermore, versatility in the operation of the display may be facilitated by the user being able to move the camera between different angles when in the exposed orientation. For instance, the camera may be configured to rotate through a plurality of angles associated with the exposed orientation, such as a first angle associated with an upward-facing direction of the camera, a second angle associated with a forward-facing direction of the camera, and a third angle associated with a downward-facing direction of the camera.
This updated camera system has one obvious use case based on what Peloton already has – and that is if Peloton adds the Peloton Guide user interface and rep counting to the updated screens. We received reports last year that Bikes & Treads had the Guide UI show up for strength classes for a day or so – so this is something Peloton has tested in the past.
The rotatable camera would allow users to capture better angles of themselves when doing movements on the floor, allowing the Guide UI to have better visibility to count their reps and provide form feedback.
And in fact, in the patent application, one of the sample images shows a Guide-like interface being used on the Peloton Bike (other images show the standard Bike UI as well).
Currently, on Peloton devices besides the Guide, the camera has been rendered mostly useless. The devices used to support video chatting with friends during classes – however, that feature was removed in 2022. Now, the only thing the camera can be used for is for taking a selfie for use as a profile picture.
If Peloton does release a new tablet that has an updated camera or voice control & microphone switch – it may have some other updates to go along with it. Peloton periodically updates internal components (CPU, memory, etc) with minor refreshes as manufacturers change the components they offer. There are hints there could be a more noticeable change on the way – and that is a higher resolution screen. Peloton is currently working on upgrading the cameras at Peloton Studios New York to be 4K cameras – so a 4K screen update might be in the works as well to take advantage of the new in-studio 4k cameras.
Earlier this year, Peloton made filings with the FCC revealing two new tablets & screens were in development. Those filings do not disclose what all is updated – so it isn’t currently known if they have updated camera systems, voice control, or higher resolution screens in them.
Last year, we also saw that Peloton’s R&D team had a version of the Bike+ screen with the Guide camera embedded into it. So it is clear Peloton has been experimenting with various different camera upgrades for their tablets for a while now.
However, note that a patent being filed doesn’t necessarily mean that it will actually be released as a product to members, or that a release is imminent. We previously saw that Peloton had patents for a platform-based strength device to compete with Tonal – only to later cancel that project and let go of many of those team members who worked on the project during layoffs.
With that said – we do know that Peloton plans to reveal a new product roadmap in the next few months – so it’s possible that updated tablets & screens could be a portion of that. CEO Peter Stern teased that he would share more after the next earnings call – which is scheduled to take place on August 7th.
When reached for comment about this patent, a Peloton spokesperson shared:
“At Peloton, we take pride in our constant innovation. While we have nothing to announce at this time, our teams are continuing to explore new ways to help our Members live fit, long, strong, and happy lives.”
We will share more details on Peloton’s updated screens for the Bike, Tread, and Row, and other new product developments, as more information becomes available.
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Please update the screen to 4k that would be a game changer. I would love to buy that