3D Air Gestures

One of the most interesting technologies in the patent is a series of camera and sensors that could be embedded in a future HomePod. This camera and sensor suite would allow users to interact with the smart speaker with various hand gestures, as well as other “three-dimensional gesture input.” The patent specifically describes gestures like waving and clapping.

While this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Apple patent similar hand gesture technology, it is the first time gesture-based controls have been mentioned in relation to HomePod. And gesture-based controls would obviously give users more ways to interact with HomePod beyond voice commands.