HIGHLIGHTS
- For its wearables, Google has patented skin gesture controls.
- The technology allows users to deliver orders to headphones and smartwatches by touching their skin.
Google has developed patented technology that will allow consumers to manage their smartwatches and headphones by merely touching their skin.
LetsGoDigital discovered the patent, titled "Skin interface for Wearables: Sensor fusion to increase signal quality." It describes the technology that users may utilise to control wearable gadgets with skin motions.
According to patent filings, users may operate wearables by swiping or tapping the skin around them. The gesture generates a mechanical wave, which is detected by the wearables' sensors. The "Sensor Fusion" technology then integrates the movement data from the numerous sensors into an input command for the wearable.
Skin gestures may be done with true wireless earphones by touching the front of the ear or tapping the temple. Similarly, with smartwatches, users may do tasks by swiping their wrist, forearm, or the back of their hand. Machine learning will be used by the gadgets to discern between purposeful gestures and spontaneous user motions.
The technology appears to be rather promising. Something similar was recently seen on Sony's LinkBuds WFL-900. Controlling the earbuds is as simple as tapping the front of the ear rather than the buds themselves.
We're not sure if Google intends to use this technology in its future Pixel Buds or the rumoured Pixel Watch, but it'd be fascinating to see it in action.
