Apple has unveiled a new gesture control feature called Double Tap for its latest lineup of smartwatches, the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. This innovative tool allows users to tap their index finger and thumb together twice in the air in order to interact with the device without touching the screen. While this may seem like a gimmick, it offers a convenient hands-free way to control the Apple Watch, especially considering its small screen size.
Double Tap works in conjunction with the Apple Watch's advanced sensors, such as the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart rate sensor. These sensors detect disruptions in blood flow when the fingers are pressed together, and this information is processed by a new machine learning algorithm that runs on a faster neural engine. This allows the device to respond to the gesture and perform various actions, such as accepting calls or pausing music.
The concept of gesture control is not entirely new to Apple. The previous generation of the Apple Watch Ultra already featured similar pinch-and-clench gestures through its Assistive Touch accessibility tool. However, with the introduction of Double Tap, Apple is bringing this feature to the forefront and embracing a touch-free future. This move aligns with their recent unveiling of the Vision Pro mixed reality headset, which also utilizes finger tap control.
While the Double Tap feature is practical, using it in public might take some getting used to. Users may feel self-conscious when gesturing in the air, and social acceptance of this new interaction method remains to be seen. However, Apple has a history of pushing boundaries with its innovative designs, such as the initial criticism received by its AirPods, which have now become a cultural phenomenon.
Gesture controls are not exclusive to Apple, as other tech companies like Samsung and Microsoft have also incorporated them into their products. However, Apple's inclusion of gesture control in their flagship wearable device, the Apple Watch, marks a significant step in the popularization of this form of interaction.
Furthermore, Apple has shown its commitment to gesture control by filing patents for gestures related to various products, including the Apple TV. This suggests that we can expect more gesture features in Apple's future product lineup.
In addition to Double Tap, the Apple Watch Series 9 boasts powerful new in-house silicon chips, ultrawideband connectivity, and convenient features like voice-controlled health data logging and wrist-raising to brighten the display automatically. The rugged Ultra smartwatch line has also been updated, featuring the S9 custom chip and a new ultrawideband chip for enhanced tracking.
The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399, while the Ultra is priced at $799. While both devices will start shipping on September 22nd, the Double Tap feature will be launched via a software update next month, promising an exciting new way to interact with the Apple Watch.