Wrist Tech Takes the Wheel: A New Way to Drive?

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a unique demo stole the spotlight. Unlike the latest phones or TVs, this demo showcased controlling a car's dashboard using just a wristband.

The Collaboration

• Meta and Garmin teamed up to present this innovative idea.
• The wristband picks up tiny electrical signals from finger movements, allowing users to control the car's system with air gestures—no touch or screen tap required.

The Demo Experience

• The demonstration took place in a mock-up of a future smart car, filled with screens.
• The wristband enabled users to:
• Swipe
• Scroll
• Play games like Tetris
• Perform basic functions like opening apps or playing music.

How Well Does It Work?

• The controls were somewhat unreliable—sometimes smooth, other times inaccurate.
• The band can be used with hands down or in the air.
• The demo featured two bands connected simultaneously, allowing both the driver and passenger to control the car's entertainment system.

Future Possibilities

• Garmin aims to make this technology available to other car manufacturers.
• The goal is to create a platform that can be integrated into different vehicles.
• The writer of the article, driving an older car with a simple phone clip, questions whether wrist wearables will soon connect to more devices in the world.

Final Thoughts

• The writer finds the technology interesting but needs more proof before being convinced.
• The partnership between Garmin and Meta is worth watching, especially since Garmin's watches already work with Meta's glasses.
• Perhaps one day, Meta’s neural band will be integrated into a Garmin watch.