Controlling your smart home gadgets is as easy as using the Home app or Shortcuts on your Apple Watch now.
Apple may take this a step further by allowing an Apple Watch with a camera to do direct hardware control via gestures, effectively turning the watch into an improved remote controller solution that could even be used with HomePod speakers.
Apple is rumored to be developing a suite of advanced remote-control features for the Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Upcoming Gestures-Based Control Technology
The Apple Watch, according to the patent, may be used to command other Apple products with a wave of the hand. In order to provide intelligent control, Apple is equipping the Apple Watch with a camera and a separate chip.
Apple’s latest patent describes the company’s plans to enhance the watch’s ability to manage IoT gadgets around the house.
Like a standard TV remote, it will work with nearby HomePod speakers and Apple TV in addition to IoT and Matter-ready products.
Apple Watch uses a camera and a separate processing unit to include a user’s actual, tangible environment into the smartwatch’s UI.
Once the user has decided which device they wish to manage, they can direct the watch’s projection of gesture-specific controls in the direction of the target device.
A lamp’s brightness, for instance, can be adjusted by squeezing the bulb between the thumb and index finger. The HomePod speaker, meanwhile, will feature a similarly blown-up playback control on the wrist.
In addition, the watch’s sensors allow the user to pause and play music using any combination of hands and fingers.
Patently Apple points out an interesting similarity between the Apple Watch remote control patent and a concept proposed by Google.
This time, though, the search giant has its sights set on smart reality glasses, which would be operated by a smartwatch or Pixel Watch (review).
It’s unclear at this time which technological advancement will gain popularity first.
Apple also suggested a gesture-based volume control system for its AirPod headphones in a separate filing.
That the Cupertino firm thinks wearables can one day replace smartphones, or at least some of their basic functions, is becoming increasingly clear.
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