Mac Sleep Indicator Mimics Human Respiratory Cycle

On most models of modern Apple laptops, the little light that indicates when the computer is in sleep mode is actually tuned to the rate at which the average adult breathes.

Apple filed a patent for a “Breathing Status LED Indicator” in July 2002, an LED light that fades in and out in accordance with the average adult breathing rhythm, which is about 12-20 breaths per minute. So, if you’ve ever found yourself mindlessly staring at the little white flashing light on a MacBook, it’s because Apple found displaying the human respiratory rhythm to be “psychologically appealing.”

(Daring Fireball via Flood Lite)

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James Plafke