Samsung is introducing a new feature for Galaxy Watches that will allow users to control their smart TVs with air gestures. This feature, called “Pointer Mode,” will enable users to navigate the TV interface using wrist and finger movements. According to code found in the SmartThings app on Wear OS, Pointer Mode will let users do things like pinch to select channels or make a fist to return to the home screen.
These air gestures are similar to those already used for tasks like answering calls and taking photos on current devices. While there is no official release date yet, the presence of the feature in the code suggests an announcement could be coming soon. However, it seems this feature will only be available to Samsung Galaxy smartwatch users.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watches continue to evolve, offering more than just fitness tracking and notifications. Adding air gesture controls would further strengthen Samsung’s position as a leader in the smartwatch market. If your Samsung smartphone is nearby, it will automatically detect the Samsung TV and switch to remote control mode, thanks to a feature called Quick Remote.
But even cooler is how you can control the TV if you have a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch. The watch’s accelerometer can read your hand movements, allowing you to navigate the screen. For example, pinching your forefinger and thumb together selects an item onscreen, while making a fist takes you back.
To return to the home screen, simply make a fist twice. The watch can do this because it senses the movements in your wrist, providing a responsive and intuitive way to control your TV.
Control TVs with Galaxy Watch gestures
This mechanism is similar to the double-tap feature on the Apple Watch; however, Apple’s feature controls actions on the watch itself, while Samsung’s innovation controls a separate device, the TV, making it quite unique. The new mechanism will initially be available with the 2025 series of TV releases and with watch models from the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 onwards. It’s expected to arrive on earlier TVs in due course.
Samsung is rolling out an exciting upgrade to its Galaxy Watch wearables that will let owners control their TVs via gestures. The update was announced at the CES technology show in Las Vegas and promises a significant enhancement to Samsung’s wearable technology. This new feature will allow users to control their television without ever needing to hunt for the remote.
By connecting the Galaxy Watch to their TV, users can navigate settings, launch apps, and change channels using simple hand gestures. Having seen the feature in action during a preview in Las Vegas, it is clear that the technology is intuitive and effective. “Simply control the TV with your Galaxy Watch with gestures even when your hands are busy,” explained a Samsung representative.
However, this innovative update won’t be available to everyone immediately. Initially, users will need a Galaxy Watch 4 or later, with the most up-to-date software installed, as well as one of the upcoming 2025 Samsung TVs. Samsung has indicated plans to expand the Watch control feature to 2023 and 2024 TVs at a later date.
For those who frequently misplace their TV remote, this upgrade could be a game-changer. As long as you have a new Galaxy Watch on your wrist, you will have control at your fingertips—literally. This development underscores Samsung’s commitment to enhancing user experience through smart, forward-thinking technology—definitely a feature to look out for in 2025.
Rashan is a seasoned technology journalist and visionary leader serving as the Editor-in-Chief of DevX.com, a leading online publication focused on software development, programming languages, and emerging technologies. With his deep expertise in the tech industry and her passion for empowering developers, Rashan has transformed DevX.com into a vibrant hub of knowledge and innovation. Reach out to Rashan at [email protected]
