Apple is known for its innovative technology and sleek design, and their smartwatches are no exception. The Apple Watch has become a popular choice among consumers, offering a wide range of features and functionalities. One of the features that grabbed headlines during the recent Apple event was the new double tap gesture. While this gesture may seem like a groundbreaking invention, the truth is that hand gestures have been a part of smartwatches for years, and Apple is not the first company to implement them.

1. No, Apple Didn't Invent Hand Gestures Just for
Smartwatches
Image Source: Unsplash
Apple is known for its innovative technology and sleek design, and their smartwatches are
no exception. The Apple Watch has become a popular choice among consumers, offering a
wide range of features and functionalities. One of the features that grabbed headlines
during the recent Apple event was the new double tap gesture. While this gesture may
seem like a groundbreaking invention, the truth is that hand gestures have been a part of
smartwatches for years, and Apple is not the first company to implement them.

2. The Evolution of Hand Gestures in Smartwatches
Smartwatches have come a long way since their inception, and with each new generation,
they have introduced innovative features to enhance the user experience. Hand gestures
are one such feature that has been present in smartwatches for quite some time. Apple's
double tap gesture may be new to their Watch Series 9, but it is not exclusive to Apple or
their latest models.
The Hidden Hand Gestures in Older Apple Watches
Previous generations of Apple smartwatches have supported similar hand gestures that
allow users to control their devices without touching the screen. These gestures were
buried in the accessibility settings and primarily designed for individuals with special
needs. When watchOS 8 was introduced a few years ago, Apple expanded the
accessibility features, including hand gestures under Assistive Touch. This update made it
possible for older Apple Watch models to support gestures like wake-up-to-wake and
scrolling around the watchOS interface.
Similar Hand Gestures in Samsung Galaxy Watches
Apple is not the only player in the smartwatch market that offers hand gestures.
Samsung's Galaxy Watch series has been supporting hand gestures for basic controls like
accepting calls and dismissing alerts for quite some time. In fact, the recent One UI Watch
5 update for Samsung's Wear OS smartwatches introduced Universal Gestures, which
allow users to customize hand gestures such as squeezing and tapping the index finger.

3. This means that Android users have access to similar hand gesture functionalities on their
smartwatches.
Also Read:
● Apple Continues to Utilize Our Mortality for Marketing Purposes
● OnePlus Pad Go: A Budget Tablet for Entertainment
● Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Next Generation of
Smartwatches
The Advantages of Hand Gestures in Smartwatches
Hand gestures offer several advantages when it comes to interacting with smartwatches.
They provide a convenient and hands-free way to control the device, especially in
situations where using the touchscreen may not be practical or possible. For example,
during the winter months, it can be challenging to operate a smartwatch's touchscreen
while wearing gloves. Hand gestures allow users to perform tasks like waking up the
display or answering a call without having to remove their gloves.
Another advantage of hand gestures is their context-awareness. Apple's double tap
gesture, for instance, is designed to operate the primary button on the screen and perform
specific functions with a single gesture. This simplifies the user experience and eliminates
the need to memorize different gestures for different tasks. The simplicity and intuitiveness
of hand gestures make them a valuable feature for smartwatch owners.
The Future of Hand Gestures in Smartwatches

4. As smartwatches continue to evolve, hand gestures are likely to play a more prominent
role in their functionality. While Apple may have popularized the double tap gesture with
their latest Watch Series 9, the concept of hand gestures in smartwatches is not exclusive
to Apple or any particular brand. Other manufacturers, such as Samsung, have already
integrated hand gestures into their smartwatch offerings, and it is expected that more
companies will follow suit in the future.
The key to the success of hand gestures in smartwatches lies in their reliability and ease of
use. Apple's official promo videos showcase flawless operation with light finger taps, but
early hands-on videos suggest that a more deliberate tap may be required to activate the
gesture. It is crucial for manufacturers to refine and improve the performance of hand
gestures to ensure a seamless user experience. Only then can hand gestures become a
truly indispensable feature in smartwatches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple did not invent hand gestures just for smartwatches. Hand gestures
have been a part of smartwatch functionality for years, and other companies, such as
Samsung, have already implemented similar features in their devices. Apple's double tap
gesture may be new to their Watch Series 9, but it is not exclusive to Apple or their latest
models. Hand gestures offer a convenient and intuitive way to interact with smartwatches,
providing users with a hands-free option for controlling their devices. As smartwatches
continue to advance, hand gestures are likely to become an increasingly important feature
in the industry.

5. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The information provided in this
article is based on research and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation of
any product or brand.