I'm not normally the type to scoff at new technology. In fact, I'm usually the guy who is embracing it when no one else is. I, for one, loved the idea of tablets since I first learned of them when I was a kid. I've been infatuated with them ever since. And I'm consumed by the possibilities of smartphones ahead – multiple displays, flexible chassis and displays and new ways of interacting with my devices. I see concepts that fix problems with today's smartphones and I can't help but revel in the potential.
And I agree with those who believe there is a need for more efficient ways of interacting with our phones. Touch input, while efficient enough to get the job done in most cases, introduces a couple caveats of its own. Large fingers on tiny displays don't mix well, especially with the recent push for higher density screens. (I am ever thankful for pinch zooming). And it's too easy to press the wrong soft button or hit the wrong icon or link, which can easily set you back a couple steps. A perfect example is editing text via touch input. I can't begin to count the number of times I have deleted several paragraphs of text on accident and couldn't recover it, simply because I was in a hurry and hit the wrong button.
In short, I guess what I'm trying to say is that touch input simply doesn't hold a candle to the trusty ol' keyboard and mouse in many situations. And there are simply times where other forms of input would be useful or more efficient than the standard touch input of mobile platforms.
Some exhibits at MWC and recent patent filings would have us believe that motion and gesture-based input is the next phase. Pair that with voice input, and why would you ever need to touch your device?
Much like Microsoft's Kinect system for the Xbox 360 works, the many different methods of touch-free gesture control would allow users to manipulate their phones without ever touching them. But why? An article over at Phone Arena by Michael H, titled This Touchless Gesture Control Fad Has To Stop Before It Starts, gives us many reasons to doubt this up and coming technology, at least for mobile use. Michael says:
"First, what is the need for touchless interaction on a device that's designed to be in your hand at all times? The use case for touchless gestures on a mobile device are incredibly few and far between. Essentially, the only reasons you would ever have to use touchless gestures on your smartphone or tablets fall into just one category: touch-free means smudge-free. If your hands are dirty or if you really hate smudges, touch-free controls are a benefit, but beyond that, there is little reason to need touchless gesture controls. Touch-free screens would also make using touchscreen devices in the winter much easier when you're wearing gloves, but again, touchscreens have already evolved to the point where many can be used even through gloves (depending on thickness) without the need for special tips on the fingers. There is a possibility for using touchless gestures as a way to easily 'fling' information from one screen to another, but that seems more like a gimmick used in "futuristic" technology concepts. The same thing can be done right now with either NFC, or wireless connections and traditional buttons. There is no benefit to moving that function to touchless control."
Michael also states that gesture control doesn't propose any benefits to in-car use either, as it would require the driver to lift their hand from the steering wheel. Voice control offers more benefits to drivers, though not using your phone at all while behind the wheel is more ideal. He goes on to explain that our hands were made to touch and feel things to manipulate them. "A wave doesn't covey the same thing as a handshake, just like flipping the bird doesn't convey the same thing as a slap in the face." And, much like we have complained about with alienating touchscreens for years now, touch-free gesture control doesn't provide any tactile feedback. None. Far less than even touchscreens do.
So why is this more efficient? Why would manufacturers be pursuing such a seemingly useless form of input (specifically speaking in terms of mobile technology, which is usually held a little closer to your body than, say, a desktop computer or laptop)?
An ad for the Pantech Vega LTE gives a little insight as to when touch-free control might be useful. It shows how someone while extremely dirty hands – someone who would normally have to wash their hands before touching anything, especially a smartphone – could answer the phone by simply waving their hands over the device.
Maybe these manufacturers just have some sort of motivation to turn Tony Stark's nifty little gadgets and interfaces into a reality. But even when you recall Iron Man 2, Stark's computer in his lair is controlled by gestures while his pocket-sized device is still controlled by touch.
My main concern isn't any of this, though. It's what might happen if you accidentally wave your hand in front of your phone. What kind of actions would you trigger by simply moving your hand on accident? It just seems too flawed and not very useful.
It's not very often I can agree with someone fully on new technology, especially when they're debunking it before we have a chance to try it out ourselves or see it in a real life situation. But I can honestly say I am on board with everything that was said in the article. It all makes sense and all touch-free gesture control does is offer a solution to a few niche use cases. In other words, it's a lot of work just to allow someone to answer the phone while their hands are dirty. It may look cool (depending on who you ask), but it would be a lot easier just to wash your hands before answering the phone.
What about you, guys and gals? I know some of you may be drooling over Stark-like tech. I, for one, am not. Do you like the idea of gesture control? Or do you see it as a gimmick with very few use cases?
