Google's new technology might replace touch screen

World
Europe

Touchscreens were considered to be a big revolution for smartphones when they were released. Now, Google is trying to replace it with an even more futuristic technology.

The California-based company announced a new patent recently that allows devices to recognize users’ gestures.

Named Project Soli, the new sensing technology uses miniature radar to detect contactless gestures and interactions.

The entire sensor and antenna array are built into an ultra-compact package with the size of eight millimeter by 10 millimeter. /Soli Photo

As an interactivity sensor, Soli uses radar to track high-speed sub-millimeter motion. The entire sensor and antenna array are built into an ultra-compact eight millimeter by 10 millimeter package.

By adopting this technology, users can make finger movements, such as tapping and rubbing in the air to interact with their devices. Google claimed even though these controls are virtual, the interactions feel physical and responsive.

Users can make gestures to interact with devices. /Gif via Soli

Besides Google, other tech giants have also been developing similar technologies.

Apple was granted a patent in January 2015 that allows devices to read physical gestures and respond based on hand movements.

Unlike Apple and Google, Microsoft has already incorporated gesture controls into its products, with the most well-known being the Kinect for Xbox.

Google claimed that the Soli chip can be embedded in wearable devices, phones, computers, cars and IoT devices, and wants to use this technology to make the human hand an universal input device.