Update: We can now confirm the Pointer Mode feature, which adds gesture-based navigation to Samsung TVs through Galaxy Watches, is planned for release.
We spotted the Pointer Mode feature in action in a demonstration at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.
Pointer Mode will likely be released through a SmartThings update as Samsung's 2025 TV lineup goes on sale. We'll keep you up to speed if we find out more about compatibility with older TV models.
Original story follows
Samsung may soon allow Galaxy Watch users to control their smart TVs using gestures, an APK teardown reveals. Code strings found in the SmartThings smartwatch app (version 1.3.12.9) confirm that Samsung has at least entertained the idea. It's no longer fiction.
Samsung calls this unreleased smartwatch feature ‘Pointer Mode.' The APK teardown (via Android Authority) reveals a handful of code strings that hint at motion gestures designed for controlling Samsung TVs through a Galaxy Watch. They include:
- Activate Pointer Mode with shake gesture.
- Rotate bezel to scroll up or down on your TV.
- Use your wrist to control the cursor's movement.
- Make a fist to go back.
- Make a fist twice to go Home.
- Pinch to select.
As we detailed about a year ago, Galaxy Watch users can control Samsung TVs through the SmartThings app through the virtual remote feature.
However, the existing virtual remote doesn't use gestures. It uses on-screen buttons and a UI that resembles the layout of a standard Samsung TV remote.
Galaxy Watch users may also be aware of the existing Universal Gestures accessibility feature, which Samsung introduced with the One UI 5 Watch update. It allows users to control their smartwatches using gestures.
Likewise, Galaxy Watches running One UI 6 Watch now feature a new Double Pinch gesture.
None of these gesture-based features work with Samsung smart TVs. They are only used to control the Galaxy Watch, though interestingly enough, the code strings found in the SmartThings app suggest that gesture controls and Universal Gestures both have to be disabled before users can enable Pointer Mode.
The code states:
- To use Pointer Mode, disable all gesture controls.
- To use Pointer mode, disable Universal Gesture(s).
There's no guarantee that Samsung will actually make Pointer Mode happen. In theory, this feature could become one more thing that ties the Samsung hardware ecosystem a little bit better. We'll keep you posted if more information comes up.
