Apple Watch Series 9 gets a new ‘hand gestures’ feature that can be operated WITHOUT touch – becoming the company’s first ever carbon-neutral gadget

The newly unveiled, updated Apple Watch Series 9 will be Apple’s first-ever carbon-neutral gadget that requires a simple two-finger tap to operate.

The device, which will be available on September 22, is also made using renewable materials and clean energy, which has led to a 75 percent reduction in the amount of carbon waste emitted.

And for the first time, users can easily operate the watch by tapping their index finger and thumb together on the hand of their watch.

The Series 9 starts at $399, while the Apple Watch SE costs $249. The Ultra 2 model costs $799.

Apple Watch Series 9 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes in starlight, midnight, silver and a new pink aluminum case, and in stainless steel in gold, silver and graphite

Following the newly unveiled iPhone 15, the new Apple watches were the stars of Tuesday’s big unveiling in Cupertino, California.

The touchless double-tap feature made the biggest impression.

The user only needs to tap two fingers together to answer or end a call, set a timer, play music or snooze an alarm. The small action also allows the user to take a photo using the camera remote control on the watch.

The gesture feature relies on the company’s machine learning algorithm called Neural Engine, which uses an accelerometer to measure the vibrations between the fingers and a heart sensor to detect unique wrist movements and changes in blood flow where the two fingers tap together .

Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams said: “We’re introducing our best-in-class Apple Watch lineup, with incredible new capabilities and technological advancements including a new double-tap gesture, a brighter screen, on-device Siri and our first-ever carbon dioxide technology. neutral products.

“Whether users are upgrading from previous models or purchasing their first one, there has never been a more compelling time to experience Apple Watch.”

Apple kicked off its annual product event in September with emotional stories from people whose lives were saved by the Apple Watch – and then unveiled the new Apple Watch Series 9

Simply touching two fingers together is enough to answer calls, snooze an alarm, play or stop music, and set timers

Apple also touted its environmental wins, which brought the company closer to its goal of making all its products carbon neutral by 2030.

The watch is made with 100 percent clean electricity, while a third is made with recycled or renewable materials, which Apple claims has led to a 75 percent decrease in the amount of CO2 emissions produced during production and shipping.

A company statement said: ‘Emissions from the three largest sources of greenhouse gases have been reduced: materials, electricity and transport.

‘The small amount of remaining emissions is offset with high-quality carbon credits from nature-based projects.

“Apple Watch packaging has been redesigned to be 100 percent fiber, and a new logo on the packaging identifies models that are carbon neutral.”

While the company touted its steps toward achieving its environmentally conscious goal, Tuesday’s revelation followed years of bad press about Apple’s reliance on inhumane labor practices at cobalt mines in Africa.

Cobalt is used in a wide range of mobile phones and electric vehicles – almost every tech gadget that uses a lithium battery.

The annual unveiling has been a company staple since the original iPhone was unveiled in 2007. The unveiling of the new iPhone 15, which features an updated camera, a brighter retina display, new colors and a range of other additions, was the main event. .