Smartphones have small screens, and in order to improve their usability, they come up with various input methods and elements to make everyday work easier. For example, such as gestures. Applications that extend and supplement the basic functionality by supporting gestures will be discussed in this review.
We will look at three of the most popular solutions that have been among the topical programs on Google Play for a long time. This is an unusual iGest, an interesting Finger Gesture Launcher, and a simple Gesture Magic. And at the end you will find an absentee comparison of the participants and a summary of the review of this software segment.
Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones were used as test equipment (Miui V8 on OS Android 4.4.2, Dalvik runtime, MediaTek MT6592 processor, 8 x 1700 MHz, Mali-450 MP4 video processor, 700 MHz, 2 GB of RAM) and Jinga Basco M500 3G (OS Android 5.1, ART runtime, MediaTek MT6580 processor, 4 x 1300 MHz, Mali-400 MP2 video processor, 1 GB of RAM), as well as a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 tablet (CM 13 based on OS Android 6.0.1, runtime ART, TI OMAP 4430 processor, 2 x 1200 MHz, PowerVR 540 video processor, 384 MHz, 1 GB RAM).
iGest
Acquaintance
Ease of use, quality of work and a high number of functions are the main advantages of iGest. What else is so interesting and unusual in this application, what pitfalls does it have? Let's try to figure it out.
Benefits of the iGest app:
- Lots of functions and gesture control will significantly speed up the work with the device;
- Gestures can be used right on the lock screen. Now, in order to open an application or make a call, you don't even need to turn on the phone;
- Protection of personal information. Set a gesture password for gallery, chat and other applications;
- There is a fingerprint scanner on the lock screen;
- A convenient floating button allows you to use gestures anywhere;
- Perfect gesture recognition accuracy. A unique algorithm adapts to your handwriting and recognizes any gesture;
- A simple and user-friendly interface will help you quickly set up the desired gestures;
- iGest is the only analog application that supports multi-touch gestures.
Features of the iGest program:
- Run applications;
- Block applications with a gesture password;
- Make calls;
- Open web pages;
- Open files;
- Lock your phone screen;
- Create SMS;
- Create Email;
- Turn on the flashlight;
- And much more…
Beginning of work
At the first acquaintance with iGest, we will be immediately offered to create the first gesture and proceed to using the program.
In terms of functionality, the free iGest utility can do a lot, namely: open certain applications, make calls, write SMS messages, take photos and much more. I can’t even imagine a function that might be missing in this program.
However, we will only be able to view web pages in a browser, open files and create an E-mail in the extended version of iGest. This creates certain inconveniences, since ads are also present in the application.
When creating a gesture, we must draw the conceived figure five times, thanks to which the recognition will be most accurate. Gestures can be both simple and complex, that is, they consist of several separate lines, which will contribute to better protection against false positives.
To enter or draw a gesture, whichever is most convenient for you, you need to open the application and draw on a translucent canvas. However, in the application, you can activate a floating button, by clicking on which the aforementioned panel will open. This will prevent you from looking for an application shortcut every time. Similar actions are available on the lock screen.
Settings
There are no settings in iGest in principle, but I would like to adjust the gesture response speed, input accuracy and other parameters.
Testing
The functionality of the application did not disappoint, but what about the quality of gesture recognition, accuracy, speed and other performance parameters? I did not notice any particular problems with it, moreover, I was pleased with the quality of work, especially the recognition of multi-gestures (from several lines). On average, for 15-20 gestures, the program could make one or two mistakes - no more.
iGest, with all its capabilities, includes three workflows and at the same time consumes a little RAM. Therefore, there are no special problems with the operation of the application, with the exception of the floating button and the lock screen, these capabilities do not work on third-party firmware with modified interfaces. This has been tested on Miui 8 and Flyme 5.
The news is not new: Apple devices support gesture control. And not as simple clarity as unlocking with a swipe, but real code movements. iOS knows no compromises in the form of the Back and Context Menu buttons, so it uses the screen to the maximum, forcing users to strain their brains and remember a couple of commands.
Android, as a system that is loyal in everything, gives its users both the “Back” and “Menu” buttons, whatever you want, user, on! Even gesture support is on too! All to you!
Because the gestures on the phone are just like the TV series "Game of Thrones" or "Doctor Who". Until the last moment you say that you will not watch, and it is not as good as everyone says, and is not necessary at all, and then you get involved - and you cannot tear yourself away from the screen, and you take a vacation for a couple of weeks to review everything ...
Clarification - who was the first to come up with the idea with gestures, I really don't know. But the topic was revealed for me personally in Samsung phones. True, there you have to jump in front of the sensor, wave your hands or not clap your eyes. But with the Color OS gestures, everything is simple and clear. And all of them, highlighted by the title, Oppo Find 5 understands and knows how, and it was from them that the author started, collecting information for the material.
Let's be honest. If a year ago reviewers, grabbing LG G2 in their hands, squeaked like girls with delight, tapping on the screen, now, in 2014, this will surprise no one. And you will be more surprised if the screen is still not unlocked with a double tap. HTC and LG have gone even further, and you can even tap out a coffee cantata there. What you create is yours.
Therefore, I like the double-tap function for blocking more. In Color OS, it is implemented very simply - double tap on the "house" - and the smartphone is locked. Moreover, the function works properly and there are practically no lags.
Other models have the ability to block smart by double tapping on an empty space on any desktop. Not as convenient as the main button, but you can get a handle on it too. With time. And, of course, there are special switch applications that can be downloaded from the Play Store, but personally I think it is not rational. I also have a separate button in the curtain to lock the screen. But this is not as convenient as a double click, because you still need to do extra finger movements, and it seems to me that there is no special sense in such a button. Only if the power button is short / inconvenient / hidden under the cover.
1. Support gesture in standby mode
That is, with the display turned off. The topic is complex. And besides the double tap to unlock, such gestures are rare. In addition to blocking, which we have already talked about, Color OS has the ability to set all sorts of gestures to different commands yourself. Moscow was not built right away, and the previous firmware version had a touchpad, which was called by a swipe from the upper left corner. It was all rather strange, confused and not very effective. So it did not evoke violent feelings of delight in me.
Now, if you need to stop the music, slide two fingers across the screen, to call a flashlight - draw a checkmark, to call the camera - a circle, etc. Wagon and small cart of possibilities.
HTC One M8 also has such gestures, only they are few so far. And they are not as cool as the color.
I do not use all possible gestures. I chose a set of the most necessary ones, and I can't get enough of them. It's mega-convenient, you get used to it almost instantly, and I don't even know which folder I have a flashlight in. You spend less time looking for the necessary and frequently used applications. One move - and everything is in general accessibility. One has only to try once - and that's it, your heart will be conquered.
2. Support gesture with screen on
It was here that the manufacturers roamed themselves wonderfully. Such things seem to be everywhere. Every self-respecting company is trying to introduce simplified smartphone management. In general, this is plus or minus the standard set of functions, but there are also something out of the ordinary. I really like the theme with the screenshot with three fingers. Or volume control by two. I haven't touched the volume rocker in a hundred years.
All these things are convenient at least to save time and make it more easy to use. You can argue that since the screen is unlocked, then all other things are not lazy to do. Can. Not lazy. And if there are people to whom these gestures seem strange and unnecessary, then there are still six times less of them compared to those who do not understand why the next type of gestures is needed.
3. Gestures and looks
There are three times more such options than gestures for standby mode. But most of all they are riveted by Samsung. We tried to remember if anyone else makes a curtsey towards “dancing” in front of the motion sensor, but nothing came to mind. Except, of course, Color OS (if there was a very smug smile in the editor, it would be flaunting here)! And the Koreans of these ritual dances for any action - a million!
This topic is not very pleasant to me. I am in the camp of those who are not happy with the addiction of the motion sensor. Probably because only a screenshot of a page with a palm and a mute when the phone is turned over are constantly working correctly for me. Everything else, especially regarding the look, works every other time. The trouble of the bespectacled people. And also a smart call works for me once in a hundred ...
4. What and where to download / buy?
So, the leaders of the most gesture top were:
- Color OS immediately took first place. Everything about her with gestures is beyond praise.
- Motion Launch from HTC.
- TouchWiz from Samsung.
The last two can be easily bought even in Ukraine, even in Russia, but devices based on Color OS in our countries can be purchased only through non-local online stores.
Gesture control ideas are supported by LG, Lenovo, Xiaomi and many other manufacturers who create firmware and skins for their devices.
From what you can download in PlayMarket, your head is spinning. There are applications that allow you to simply write a letter on the screen - and the desired site opens. Or upgrade your stock Android without anything to Color OS. Just write "Gestures" (or even better - Gestures) in the market - and enjoy the huge selection of everything that the store will give you.
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The vast majority of modern mobile devices have a touch screen with which you can control the gadget. Those. instead of pressing mechanical buttons, the user controls his smartphone or tablet with gestures and touches on the screen. A novice user of the Android operating system, which is controlled by a large number of touch mobile devices, at first this way of interacting with his gadget will be unusual. However, the mastering of gestures occurs almost immediately and does not cause any difficulties in the future.
What gestures are used to control android smartphone / tablet
Touch or tap
Touch has a second name - tap. This is the most common touch action. By tapping, you can turn on any functions, start programs, select menu items, activate a parameter, etc. A touch is like a mouse click on a computer. If in relation to the computer they say - click the mouse, then in Android you can hear - tap or tap twice.
Performing this action, you guessed it, is very simple. You need to touch your fingertip on the right place on the screen. For example, to launch an application, just tap on its icon. If you need to enter text, then just touch in the input field to appear, where you can type text by touching the characters.
Double tap or double tap
Here again there is an analogy with a double mouse click in a computer. True, unlike a computer, where a double click launches the program, in android devices, double tap is used to enable and disable the provided functions in programs and change the scale. For example, to zoom in on a website page while viewing it in a browser, quickly double-tap the screen. To return to the previous scale, you need to repeat a double tap.
Hold tap or long tap
A touch with hold or a long tap is a kind of analogue of a right mouse button click, where this action is used to call a context menu with a choice of options. A long tap also opens additional actions in cases where they are provided by the application or by the Android operating system itself.
To perform touch and hold, you need to touch the screen in the desired place and hold your finger for a while. As a result, a menu will appear with a choice of actions provided by the application or the operating system.
Swipe, swipe or swipe
Swiping or swiping is used to turn pages, scroll through desktops on the screen, move through lists, menus, and more. Swipe can be either horizontal or vertical. To swipe when required by the program or the Android operating system, you need to touch the screen with your finger and without releasing it, slide it in the desired direction, provided by the circumstances (left-to-right, right-to-left, bottom-up, top-down or diagonally) ...
Touch with movement
Touching and moving in Android OS is analogous to dragging an object with the mouse holding down the left button. As in computer operating systems, in touch devices running mobile operating systems, drag and drop allows you to move objects (folders, files, icons, etc.) from one place to another.
To perform this action, touch the desired item on the screen and do not release your finger. When the object is highlighted, then it can be dragged to the desired location.
Pinch in / out or zoom
You can also hear the name of this action as a pinch. It really resembles a pinch of fingers, because to complete it, you need to touch with two fingers the screen of the gadget and, without releasing them, bring them together or spread them apart. As a result of these actions, the scale of the image on the screen will be changed, if provided by the application.
All gestures in Android are intuitive and uncomplicated. After a short workout, you will confidently control your smartphone or tablet without even thinking about your actions.
All features listed below have been tested on Android 9.0 Pie. In other versions of the OS or third-party skins, some gestures may work differently or not work at all.
1. Double swipe down from the border of the screen - full extension of the settings panel
A standard swipe down from the top of the screen only shows notifications. To pop out the entire top panel and access quick system settings, you need to do another swipe. But you can replace these two gestures with one - exactly the same, but performed with two fingers. This double swipe pulls out the entire panel.
2. Long press on the notification - quick access to the program settings
If one of the programs starts constantly sending notifications, there is a strong desire to reduce their number or simply turn it off. To do this, you have to open the application and delve into it in search of the necessary settings. But you can just press the notification and hold your finger for a few seconds - a button will appear for quick access to the desired settings.
3. Horizontal swipes along the address bar - flipping through tabs in Chrome
To switch between Chrome tabs, you must first click on the number with the number of tabs, and then select the desired one. But there is an alternative way with which it is convenient to switch to adjacent tabs. It is enough to make swipes to the right or to the left, sliding your finger along the address bar.
4. Long press the shutdown button - go to safe mode
If the device starts to slow down and rebooting does not help, it is appropriate to test its operation in safe mode. In this state, the device is not affected by third-party programs, so the problems caused by them are easier to fix. To enter Safe Mode, hold down the Power key and hold until the Power Off button appears on the display. Then hold the touch on it - in a second you will see an offer to switch to safe mode.
5. Pinch and long press on Google Photos - easy picture management
Gestures make using your smartphone much easier. For example, you can quickly change the display format of pictures by pinching, without even going into the additional menu. It is enough to pinch and spread two fingers over the list of photos, and the application will switch the view: normal, by day, by month, by year.
Plus, you can quickly select multiple images. To do this, hold your touch on one of the desired pictures and, without lifting your finger from the screen, slide them over the rest.
6. Double tap on the map and vertical swipes - change the scale in Google Maps
Scaling the map with the traditional pinch gesture is not very convenient on the go, when you hold your smartphone with one hand. The developers took this nuance into account and added an alternative method. To resize the map with one finger, quickly double-tap it and, without lifting your finger, slide it up or down. The scale will change.
7. Triple taps and swipes - scaling the interface and images
If you want to quickly examine a small fragment of a photo or read a tiny font of a site where standard scaling does not work, you can use a hidden gesture. To do this, you need to press three times on the screen and, without lifting your finger, swipe in different directions. But the method will work if you first activate the "Gestures to zoom" option in the "Accessibility" section in the smartphone settings.
8. Horizontal swipes along the space bar - cursor control in the Google keyboard
When a typo creeps into the typed text, you have to hit the right place between the small letters with your finger to correct it. This is, to put it mildly, not very simple. Fortunately, you can control the cursor in a much more convenient way. Just slide your finger over the space bar and the cursor will move along the text.
Perhaps you know other not very obvious gestures? Share in the comments!
With TalkBack gestures, you can easily control your Android device.
They are divided into three types: basic, transition gestures, and angular. They must be performed in one motion, at a constant speed, pressing evenly on the screen.
Basic gestures
Jump gestures
Angle gestures
These gestures are composed of two lines forming a right angle. For example, to go to the home screen, you first need to swipe up, then sharply to the left at an angle of 90 degrees (this gesture is set by default).
Note... The gesture to open the notification panel (right then down) is not supported in all versions of TalkBack. If it doesn't work on your device, swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen.
Two-finger gestures
All TalkBack gestures are performed with one finger. As long as you touch the screen with one finger, your gestures are only sent to TalkBack.
However, when using two or more fingers, your touch or gesture is recognized directly by the application and not by TalkBack. For example, you can scroll through pages with two fingers.
Some apps let you zoom in and out by placing two fingers on the screen and sliding them in or out. TalkBack does not interfere with the recognition of these gestures.
Setting up TalkBack gestures
All of the above gestures are installed by default. If you wish, you can change their purpose.
