Control Devices with Hand Gestures - Free Apple Watch App by doublepoint

Doublepoint Introduces WowMouse App for Apple Watch at CES 2025

Finnish technology firm Doublepoint unveiled its innovative application, WowMouse, available at no cost for the Apple Watch during CES 2025. This application leverages the watch’s integrated sensors – including the compass and accelerometer – to transform hand movements into mouse-like control for various devices.

Leveraging Existing Technology

Apple Watch already incorporates comparable technology with its 2023-released double tap functionality. This feature recognizes subtle wrist movements generated when the thumb and index finger are brought together, registering it as a click on a connected device.

Expanding Control Capabilities

WowMouse builds upon this foundation, offering expanded functionality. It enables users to direct their hand towards a Mac computer and manipulate the cursor on the screen via a corresponding companion application. Future plans include compatibility with Bluetooth-enabled devices, allowing for gesture-based control of elements like smart lighting.

Demonstration and User Experience

Jamin Hu, Doublepoint’s Chief Technology Officer, demonstrated the app’s capabilities. By simply pointing towards a floor lamp, he activated it. A tap of the thumb and index finger deactivated the lamp, while a palm rotation adjusted its brightness.

Simplifying Smart Home Control

Traditionally, controlling smart home devices requires navigating multiple apps on a smartphone. WowMouse streamlines this process, enabling control through intuitive hand gestures. An initial setup is required to map the location of devices within the user’s home.

The Technology Behind WowMouse

The core of Doublepoint’s innovation lies in a sophisticated deep neural network. This network has been trained on an extensive, custom-built dataset of hand gestures. The system accounts for individual variations in gesture execution, accurately interpreting user intent.

Growing User Base

The WowMouse app has already seen significant adoption, with 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store following its launch at last year’s CES. The recent expansion to Apple’s App Store has already resulted in several thousand new users.

Comparison to Emerging Technologies

While major technology companies are developing smart glasses with voice interfaces, these devices often require a supplementary handheld component. Meta’s Orion AR glasses, for example, utilize an EMG wristband for scrolling and clicking.

Potential Integration with Smart Glasses

Doublepoint CEO Ohto Pentikäinen suggests that their technology could seamlessly integrate with smart glasses, leveraging the sensors already present in widely-used smartwatches.

Company History and Funding

Established in 2020, Doublepoint initially focused on developing its own hardware. The company subsequently shifted its strategy to creating software compatible with commercially available smartwatches from brands like Apple and Google. To date, Doublepoint has secured $6.5 million in funding, including support from the Finnish government, and anticipates another funding round in 2025.

Future Licensing Opportunities

Doublepoint’s long-term vision involves licensing its technology to smartwatch manufacturers. While the WowMouse app has cultivated a loyal user base, operating within the confines of closed ecosystems can present limitations.

Challenges of Ecosystem Dependence

Currently, switching between controlling different devices with WowMouse requires disconnecting and reconnecting the app. The potential for a more fluid experience is evident if Doublepoint’s technology were directly integrated into the core functionality of smartwatches and other devices.