The Apple Watch has long been a marvel of modern technology, seamlessly combining style with functionality. However, with the release of watchOS 10.1, Apple has introduced a new feature that is set to redefine the way we interact with wearables: the double tap gesture. Available on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, this new gesture is powered by the S9 SiP, which is 25% more power-efficient than the previous generation, alongside a new 4-core Neural Engine capable of performing machine learning tasks at double the speed.
Key Highlights:
- Double tap gesture enabling control over various system functions by a simple thumb and index finger double-tap.
- No need to touch the display or free up your other hand, making it especially useful in situations where your other hand is occupied.
- Examples of function control include answering or ending calls, snoozing alarms, and controlling music playback.
- A step towards more intuitive, gesture-based interactions with wearable technology.
The double tap gesture is not merely a novel trick but a potentially game-changing feature that allows users to control various system functions by tapping the thumb and index finger together twice in quick succession. Unlike previous interactions, there’s no need to touch the display or free up your other hand. This feature proves to be especially useful in scenarios where your other hand is busy, such as carrying groceries or walking a dog. The functions that can be controlled through this gesture include answering or ending calls, snoozing alarms, playing or pausing music, and starting or stopping timers. Moreover, users can access the Smart Stack, a new scrollable series of widgets in watchOS 10, via the double tap gesture, which was formerly accessible by twisting the Digital Crown from the watch face.
Unveiling the Double Tap Gesture:
Apple’s COO, Jeff Williams, emphasized the utility of the double tap gesture during its unveiling at the annual fall event. The gesture, according to Apple, is designed to change how users interact with their wearables, making these interactions more intuitive and less intrusive. The core technology enabling this feature is the faster Neural Engine S9 SiP, which processes data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor using a new machine learning algorithm. This algorithm detects the unique signature of tiny wrist movements and changes in blood flow when the thumb and index finger perform the double tap. However, this feature requires the newer hardware found in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, leaving older models behind. The feature is expected to arrive in a software update in the following month, as announced during the event.
Implications for the Wearable Tech Industry:
The introduction of the double tap gesture on the Apple Watch is indicative of a broader trend towards more intuitive and gesture-based interactions in the wearable tech industry. Companies are continually exploring new ways to make wearable devices more user-friendly and less obtrusive in everyday scenarios. The double tap gesture is a step in this direction, offering a glimpse into a future where wearables become a seamless extension of our bodies, responding to natural gestures and movements without requiring any physical contact with the device.
The double tap gesture on the new Apple Watch models is a significant advancement in the wearable tech industry, showcasing a new level of intuitive interaction and potential for future innovation in gesture-based controls. As wearable technology continues to evolve, gestures like the double tap could become commonplace, further blurring the lines between the physical and digital realms.
