Google’s crazy solution for using smartwatch’s tiny display
Google has always succeeded in making crazy technology dreams come true. People may have recently come across quite a few unique solutions to the problem of using a smartwatch’s tiny display, but Google may have the best solution to this problem.
The company is fitting a tiny radar system into a smartwatch that can detect various hand gestures and perform various functions. The idea is based on Project Soli, announced last year, which focuses on improving the way we interact with wearables.
Google representatives recently showed off how Project Soli works on a customized LG Urbane smartwatch. The smartwatch detects when you bring your hands close and switches to the menu screen. On moving away, the smartwatch switches back to the standard watch face. With a simple flick of your fingers you can also scroll through various functions on the smartwatch.
“We’ve developed a vision where the hand is the only controller you need,” Ivan Poupyrev, who works for ATAP (Advanced Technologies and Projects) told Engadged. “One moment it’s a virtual dial, or slider, or a button.”
Project Soli surely seems polished and almost ready to be commercially released this year. But these are only prototypes, and Google and its partners are still working on various issues like power consumption among others. Some of the other implementations include identifying objects, 3D imaging and even remote in-car controls, which could be a huge boon for drivers.
As far as smartwatches are concerned, their tiny displays can be a nightmare for people with weak eyesight or large thumbs. Project Soli looks quite close to solving it. Other solutions being worked on include Samsung’s idea of beaming an interactive display on users’ hands, and ‘SkinTrack’, which can turn the user’s lower arm into a touchpad.
|