Google may use skin interface technology in future Pixel Buds and Pixel Watches

A patent filed by Google suggests it is working on skin interface technology that it could use in future iterations of the Pixel Buds and Pixel Watch. The application was approved on March 3rd by the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO).

Google believes this technology will avoid unpleasant noises or sensations caused by physical touches or taps on wearable devices. Alongside earbuds and smartwatches, the patent suggests that Google could use this technology on virtual reality headsets or smart glasses.

The skin interface technology uses accelerometers built-in to the wearable device to detect mechanical waves. These waves are created by the friction from a user's gesture. Gestures could include swiping or tapping on your skin close to the gadget to pause music, control the volume or to answer calls, for example.

Artificial intelligence would be used by the device to determine which gesture the user has made. This tool would also prevent the gadget from reacting to non-gesture movements, such as scratching near the device or nodding your head.

Google is not the first company to be interested in skin gesture technology. The recently released Sony LinkBuds have a similar feature, Wide Area Tap, which allows you to pause or play music and control the volume by tapping near your ear. Honor has also historically filed a patent for somewhat similar skin interface technology. It is unclear whether or when Google will bring this technology to market.

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