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Video: Conan figured out how to fix a major problem with the Apple Watch

Published May 6th, 2015 10:20AM EDT
Apple Watch Heart Rate Sensor and Tattoos
Image: Chris Smith, BGR

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A few days ago, Apple acknowledged the fact that the Apple Watch will not work properly on tattooed wrists, something users have discovered on their own. Specifically, the heart rate sensor placed on the back of the device might not be able to perform any readings depending on the ink used, and there’s really no way to have this issue fix.

Thankfully, Conan’s creative team has figured out a way to make the Apple Watch work even for people with inked wrists.

DON’T MISS: You can spend $17,000 on a gold Apple Watch, or you can gold plate your Watch for $399

“Permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can also impact heart rate sensor performance,” Apple says on its website. “The ink, pattern, and saturation of some tattoos can block light from the sensor, making it difficult to get reliable readings.”

The only way to have the Apple Watch sensor register your heart rate is to remove the ink that’s blocking it. But not if Conan can help.

Meet the Watch Hand, Conan’s accessory that can be used by Apple Watch buyers who have their wrists tattooed. The device will register heart beat and temperature, Conan says, to make up for the Apple Watch’s shortcomings. (We’ll have to slightly correct Conan on this one though, as the first-gen Watch can only perform heart rate readings, since it lacks a temperature sensor.)

Conan’s Watch Hand video follows below.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.