Samsung’s Pointer Mode may soon let Galaxy Watch users control TVs with hand gestures

Samsung is reportedly working on a new feature that could make controlling your TV easier using just your Galaxy smartwatch. The feature named Pointer Mode is under development for Wear OS-based Galaxy Watch models.

SmartThings app recently received a new update with version 1.3.12.9 for Galaxy devices. Through the APK teardown via AssembleDebug, Pointer Mode has been found for Galaxy Watch devices. This feature will likely be exclusive to Galaxy smartwatches.

Once it’s available, users will be able to control their TV by shaking their wrist to turn on Pointer Mode. After that, different hand gestures will help you navigate your TV.

The codes of the Pointer modes reveal several gestures to control TVs through hands. For example, making a pinch gesture could change the channel, while making a fist could take you back to the previous channel. If you double-clench your fist, you might go to the home screen. You can also move your wrists back and forth to play/pause.

These simple gestures would make it easy to control the TV without needing to use a physical remote, just need to direct with your hand. The new feature is especially helpful for anyone who loses their remote often or doesn’t want to get up to change the channel.

Pointer Mode will be different from another similar feature coming to the SmartThings app for smartphones later this year. The phone app will allow users to control their TV using a touchpad or by pointing the phone directly at the TV to move a cursor.

If Pointer Mode comes to Samsung Galaxy watches, it could be a convenient way to control your TV directly from your wrist. Stay tuned for more information.