Quantum Interface (Qi) has just launched an invite-only beta version of a motion-based interface for Android-based smart watches. The company’s goal is to make a program that uses motion, eye tracking, and predictive navigation to make it easier to control your mobile device without tapping and scrolling through endless menus.
Qi’s navigation interface is designed to be responsive to motion by analyzing the speed and direction of a gesture to predict the user’s intent. For example, if you were to reach for the left side of your tablet’s screen to select a button, wave your hand, or look at a specific link on a page, the interface would predict your next move and perform it for you.
For now, the company has managed to create a workable interface for Android-based smart watches. With it, the user can scroll through apps as they appear on the left side of the screen just by touching the display and dragging a finger in the direction of the scroll. Then, without lifting a finger, moving across to the app to select it.
If you have experience with trying to find an app and open it on a smart watch, you’ll know how cumbersome it can be. This quick app launcher could make things a lot easier.
The Qi interface is designed to work with almost any type of device, with or without sensors. It can be added to different applications and operating systems. It supposedly uses less power than traditional touchscreen controls.
The Qi interface seems like a useful temporary solution to the difficulties of navigating a tiny smart watch screen. However, with the fast pace at which Google has developed Soli, it seems like Qi is going to be obsolete before it gets any real traction.