Skip to main content

Samsung patent reveals plans for circular, gesture-controlled smartwatch

samsung galaxy gear smartwatch review rear clasp macro
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Samsung has filed a series of new patents which could reveal plans for a Moto 360-challenging smartwatch, complete with a circular face. The patents are surprisingly detailed, providing not only a look at the device’s interface, but also listing an interesting gesture control system. The watch’s round face can be attached to a wrist strap as usual, but there’s also a hint the face will be detachable, and able to be worn as a necklace, on a keychain, or on your arm, where it could presumably function mainly as a fitness tracker.

Samsung already produces a range of smartwatch models, introduced during Mobile World Congress this year, which have square faces and use the Tizen operating system. Although it’s not mentioned in the patents, the mysterious round Samsung watch could be the firm’s first attempt at one running Google’s Android Wear software.

While the design is exciting, the control system Samsung has patented is even more so. Digging through the patents, it looks like Samsung will utilize the round bezel as a way to navigate through menus and options. Several drawings show a hand twisting the watch face left or right, an easier and more intuitive system than prodding at tiny on-screen buttons. Recently, the Span concept smartwatch with an incorporated jog dial, and a prototype model with a tilting, twisting screen highlighted how effective this control method could be on a wrist-worn device.

Gesture controls are also on hand (sorry) to make the watch easier to control. By using a built-in camera, the patents reveal certain features could be activated by showing the lens either a number of fingers, or by making certain shapes. The international “OK” symbol is used as an example, rather than a cute little bunny. Other hand-based gestures shown include a thumbs up, an “air swipe” past the lens, and even a pointing gesture.

The latter could be related to object recognition, which is also included in the patent. Again, it uses the watch’s camera to view images, objects, and barcodes. A Word Lens-style translation feature should come in handy for travelers. Finally, Samsung also intends to make its watch a universal remote control, where the twisting bezel could switch channels or adjust the volume. An infrared blaster will likely be fitted for this to work. 

At the moment, all we have to go on is a set of patents, which may or may not relate to a product being worked on by Samsung. However, we doubt it’ll be keen to let Motorola dominate the world of round smartwatches, so a competing model certainly sounds plausible. If so, we hope it can integrate all the control methods and features seen in the patents.

Editors' Recommendations

Andy Boxall
Senior Mobile Writer
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
The best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protectors
Person holding skateboard while wearing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.

A new, sleek design and digital bezel help the Galaxy Watch 4 stand out in the crowd and set it apart from the traditional style of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Whether you've picked up a 40mm model with a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED screen or opted for more screen real estate with the 44mm model, that stand-out design needs protecting from scratches and knocks. That means it's time for our picks of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protectors, with something to suit all budgets.

These screen protectors will all fit the 40mm or 44mm models of the Galaxy Watch 4. If you've got a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, these won't fit.
Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Screen Protector

Read more
These two smartwatches reveal a dark side of Wear OS 3
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and the Montblanc Summit 5.

Since Google announced Wear OS 3 in 2021, the only way to experience the software has been on a Samsung smartwatch — either the Galaxy Watch 5 or Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, where it’s covered by the company’s own One UI Watch interface and tweaks. That has recently changed with the release of the Montblanc Summit 3, which also comes with Wear OS 3, but obviously not Samsung’s software.

It gives us a chance to see how Samsung’s vision for Wear OS 3 differs from Google’s, as there appears to be very little customization on Montblanc’s part. It turns out it’s very different, and using them may give us a glimpse as to what Wear OS 3 will be like when companies without Samsung’s experience eventually utilize the new software.
Same swipes, different results
The two smartwatches differ considerably in operation. Swipe up on the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, and you get a list of installed apps — but do the same on the Summit 3, and you’re looking at your notifications. You press the button on the crown to see installed apps, where they’re presented in a vertical, named list. This is actually preferable to Samsung’s icon-based app list, which can be confusing as it's not always immediately obvious which apps some icons relate to. The Summit 3 is far more glanceable.

Read more
The best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic screen protectors
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, worn on a wrist.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic's traditional style appeals to those who like a smartwatch sporting classic good looks. With its rotating bezel and a choice of steel or titanium casing, it's a handsome upgrade from the previous Watch 3. Whether you pick up a 42mm or 46mm version, you'll want to keep that screen safe from scratches and knocks. That's why we've picked some of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic screen protectors available — and there's something here to suit all budgets.

Have the Galaxy Watch 4 instead? You can also check out our pick of the best Galaxy Watch 4 screen protectors. Want to snag cool Samsung Galaxy products at affordable prices? Check out our list of the best Samsung Galaxy deals. Also, don't forget the new Galaxy Watch 5 range is here, so check that out if you're looking for an upgrade.

Read more