When Google releases the Pixel 4 later this year, it’ll come with sophisticated technology, allowing users to manipulate and control the phone using gestures. The latest flagship device will come fitted with a cluster of sensors that use radar to track and detect nearby objects like a user’s hands.
Dubbed Project Soli, this technology was developed by Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) division, and approved by the American Federal Communications Commission in January this year. When approving the Soli chip, which will be embedded in the phone’s top bezel, the FCC noted that the tech will “serve the public interest by providing for innovative device control features using touchless hand gesture technology”.
Indeed, gesture controls do seem to be the future of smart device technology, with car manufacturers like BMW already equipping vehicles with technology that allows for basic gesture controls, which let users accept calls or adjust the volume by simply waving their hands. The LG G8, released earlier this year, came with similar Air Motion gestures, utilising 3D time-of-flight cameras to recognise hand gestures.
Google’s Soli chip uses radar technology, and Pixel 4 users will be able to use Google Motion Sense, sometimes combined with Google Assistant and voice controls, to control a number of features without having to touch the phone.
Motion Sense offers the ability to swipe to navigate through music tracks, and use other gestures to silence phone calls and snooze alarms. The Google Pixel 4 will also come with face unlock, which will be able to work in both portrait and landscape mode, as well as multiple rear cameras.
The Google Pixel 4 will launch later this year. Check out the video below to see how the Soli chip and Motion Sense will work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnRbXWojW7c