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Wearable devices are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a convenient way to keep track of our fitness and activity levels, as well as allow us to stay connected to our digital devices. However, one of the challenges with wearable devices is inputting data and text, as they are often too small to use a traditional keyboard or touchscreen. This is where various input methods come in, as they allow us to input data and text in a variety of ways. In this guide, we’ll explore the different methods of input to see which one is most suitable for a wearable device.
Current Methods of Input for Wearable Devices
Different methods for inputting data into wearable devices have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break down each and every one of them:
Speech-Based Control
We live in a world where we are constantly surrounded by technology. We use it to communicate, work, and play. And as our lives become more and more intertwined with technology, we are increasingly looking for ways to interact with it that are more natural and efficient. One way that we are doing this is by using speech-based control. This is a method of interacting with technology using our voices instead of our hands. And it is becoming more and more common, especially as we move toward wearable devices.
It’s a much more efficient way of controlling your device compared to other methods of input. We can often speak faster than we can type, so using our voices can help us get things done more quickly. Speech is also more natural since we use our voices to communicate with other people. You can even give out commands without looking at your device, which is perfect when you’re multitasking.
Gesture-Based Control
Gesture-based control is a hands-free input method that uses gestures to control a wearable device. This type of control is usually made with the hand or fingers and can be used to control various aspects of the device, such as the user interface, apps, and settings. For example, a user may be able to swipe through a list of options, tap to select an option, or long-press to enter a menu.
Compared to buttons and touchscreens, gesture-based control can be more intuitive. This is because gestures can be based on real-world actions, such as swiping or tapping, which are repeatable and consistent.
There are some challenges to using gesture-based control, however. First, learning and remembering all the different gestures can be difficult. Second, gestures can be hard to perform in certain situations, such as when the user’s hands are full or when the device is being worn in an awkward position.
Text Input
Text input is a method of inputting text into a device, usually via a keyboard. This is the most common method of inputting text into a computer or mobile device. Physical keyboards are the most common type of keyboard and are usually found on laptops and desktop computers. Virtual keyboards are displayed on a screen and can be used to input text on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. On-screen keyboards are similar to virtual ones but are displayed on the device’s screen.
There are some advantages and disadvantages to using text input. For one, text input is perhaps the fastest and most accurate method of input in most devices. It’s also relatively easy to learn and use. However, for wearables and small devices, it can be quite difficult to use. Text input also requires the use of both hands for faster and more efficient input.
The Bottomline
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for any wearable device. It all depends on the design of the device and the user’s needs. While many of these hands-free options are quite intuitive and effective for wearables, for more accurate and reliable input, keyboard technology is still the preferred option.
If you want a digital product that feels more natural to use and is custom-fit to your specifications, you’ll need help from a company like Fleksy. Instead of building your own virtual keyboard for your app, we give you the option to buy a fully realized one packed with all the features you need. We give you access to the best keyboard technology for apps designed for easy integration. Get in touch with us today to learn more about Fleksy!
