In a world increasingly driven by technology, startups continue to push the boundaries of how we interact with devices. One such innovation shines through this year at CES 2025, where Finnish enterprise Doublepoint unveiled its novel application, WowMouse. This app, compatible with the Apple Watch, promises to transform wearable technology into an intuitive control mechanism for various smart devices using nothing more than hand gestures.
The WowMouse application leverages the innate capabilities of the Apple Watch’s sensors, compass, and accelerometer, enabling users to control devices merely by gesturing. The underlying technology draws upon features already familiar to Apple Watch users—most notably the double-tap gesture on the device, which allows for quick interactions without needing to navigate through numerous menus. However, Doublepoint asserts that it has enhanced this concept, allowing for a wider range of interactions and precise control over multiple devices simultaneously.
What sets WowMouse apart is its ability to use hand movements to manipulate the cursor on a connected computer screen. Through an accompanying app, WowMouse translates gestures into actions, providing an effortless way to navigate your digital world. Users can control not just their computers but other Bluetooth-enabled devices, including smart lighting systems, merely by pointing, tapping, or rotating their hands. This hands-free operation promises to save time, making the mundane task of controlling household devices feel more like magic.
During a demonstration by Doublepoint’s CTO, Jamin Hu, the efficacy of WowMouse was put to the test. Utilizing a typical living room setup, I pointed at a floor lamp, and to my amazement, it lit up in response. Following that, a simple click of my thumb and index finger turned the light off. More impressively, tilting my palm toward the ceiling adjusted the brightness. The immediate responsiveness of the app exemplified the potential for integrating such technology into everyday life, reducing the need for physical remotes and smartphones.
However, the technology isn’t without its initial setup process, where users must familiarize the app with the location of their devices. Nevertheless, once setup is complete, WowMouse can accurately discern which device a user intends to control just by tracking their hand movements.
The innovative capabilities of WowMouse stem from its reliance on a trained deep neural network. This system processes data from a substantial dataset of hand gestures, making it possible for the app to recognize variations in individual user inputs, from finger taps to sweeping hand movements. This level of understanding enhances the app’s functionality, with the promise of 100,000 downloads already signifying burgeoning interest.
The application is now expanding its reach further, with preliminary results from its launch on Apple’s App Store indicating a warm reception. As technology increasingly intertwines with our daily routines, Doublepoint’s vision positions the WowMouse as a foundational element for future interfaces.
Despite its promising technology, Doublepoint faces challenges operating within the confines of existing ecosystems created by tech giants. The app’s functionality is naturally limited when it requires disconnection from one device to connect to another. This obstacle, while not insurmountable, highlights the challenge of developing versatile applications that integrate seamlessly with various platforms.
With a funding injection of $6.5 million, aided by the Finnish government, and an expected funding round in 2025, Doublepoint aims to broaden its horizons. Licensing its technology to smartwatch manufacturers could ensure that a wave of innovation washes over the wearable tech landscape. In a world where smart glasses and other devices are on the horizon, Doublepoint envisions adapting its gesture control technology for those platforms as well.
Doublepoint’s WowMouse could represent a significant shift in the way users interact with their technology, adding a layer of convenience through gesture control that feels futuristic yet user-friendly. As wearables evolve into smart ecosystems capable of intuitive communication, the possibilities are boundless. Through seamless integration and ergonomically designed interfaces, what once seemed like science fiction is fast becoming attainable reality. With continued development and an eye toward broader application, WowMouse might just be the beginning of a technological renaissance in smart device control.