Smart watches have become integrated into the daily lives of many people, becoming a complement to smartphones. Even used independently in some cases.
These devices offer notifications, applications and music playback control, providing various functions without having to touch the screen.
In the case of the Galaxy Watch of Samsunga little-known feature stands out that allows you to control the watch using gestures without having to touch the screen or the rotating edge.
Although this option is somewhat hidden in the smartwatch, in Xataka they explained how to take advantage of it.
How to control a Galaxy Watch without touching the screen
When Manzana presented his Apple Watch Series 9highlighted the ability to control the watch using gestures, including an interesting one that consists of a “double pinch.”
Upon learning about this feature, the curiosity arose to explore similar gestures on watches with the Android operating system.
In the mid-2023 update to One UI 5 WatchThe operating system Wear OS for Galaxy Watchnew gestures called “Universal Gestures”. These gestures are designed to improve the accessibility of the watch, especially for users with specific health and mobility needs.
These gestures allow you to control the watch with just one hand, making movements such as making a fist, rotating your wrist, and pinching the air.
These movements make it easier to navigate watch faces, apps, and perform actions like replying to messages. Gestures use the device’s sensors to detect movements.
How to activate universal gestures:
- Access the watch settings menu from the quick access screen or the applications menu.
- Scroll down and select the “Accessibility” option.
- Enter the “Interaction and skill” section.
- Select “Universal Gestures”.
It is also possible to activate them from the application Galaxy Wearables on the phone, following the same steps.
When you activate universal gestures, the watch offers a tutorial to learn how to use them. For example, making a fist allows you to “press” on buttons, while touching your index finger with your thumb makes it easier to navigate between options and screens.
It is also possible to customize gestures for specific actions.
In short, universal gestures are available to all Galaxy Watch users with the One UI 5 Watch OS version.
This feature offers an interesting and useful way to interact with the watch without having to touch the screen, improving accessibility and the user experience.