Remodeled Z Fold7 into a High-Tech Gesture Control Device
Samsung's Good Lock One Hand Operation+ module can greatly improve one-handed gesture navigation on the Galaxy Z Fold7 and S25 Ultra devices running One UI 8. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set it up:
- First, download and install the Good Lock app from the Galaxy Store on your device.
- Within Good Lock, download and install the One Hand Operation+ module, version 8.2.17.0 or later is recommended for One UI 8.
- Open One Hand Operation+ to configure your gesture handles on the left and right edges of the screen. Position these handles where your thumb naturally rests for ease of use, such as about halfway up the screen on the Z Fold7.
- Customize the gestures assigned to these handles—for example, swipe in from edges to perform actions like Back, Home, or Recent Apps.
- In One UI 8, the default system back gesture is disabled by One Hand Operation+ to prevent conflicts. You can control gesture behavior either by keeping the system back gesture off (recommended for best compatibility with One Hand Operation+), or by experimenting with the gesture settings in the Labs section of your system Settings, where Android’s protective back gesture feature can be toggled.
- After configuring your gestures in One Hand Operation+, test them to ensure smooth operation with your device’s new One UI 8 gesture system.
This setup leverages Good Lock’s One Hand Operation+ module to enhance one-handed gesture navigation optimized for foldables and flagship devices running One UI 8. The keyboard integration on the Z Fold7 prevents accidental activation of gesture handles while typing. After two weeks of consistent use, the user has grown accustomed to gesture navigation on the Z Fold7 and finds the consistency between cover and main displays to be what makes this setup truly special for foldable users.
When using the Z Fold7 in its folded state, gesture navigation brings controls to the user's thumb, making them more accessible. During video calls on the main display, gesture navigation allows for adjusting volume, toggling mute, or switching apps without disrupting the call interface. Gesture navigation provides ergonomic advantages during extended one-handed use, eliminating awkward thumb stretches.
The handle positioning system adapts to different grip styles on the Z Fold7, positioning gesture zones exactly where the user's thumb naturally rests. The system recognizes different swipe lengths and directions, allowing for multiple functions without confusion. The gesture controls work identically on both displays of the Z Fold7, creating a seamless flow.
Foldable devices are ideal for gesture navigation because of the constant switching between cover display and main screen. Floating panels appear and disappear without interfering with the video feed, maintaining a professional appearance during work calls. The user particularly enjoys using gestures during video calls on the main display of the Z Fold7.
The user's Z Fold7 display now functions as a clean, responsive canvas that adapts to gestures instead of being cluttered with permanent shortcuts. The gesture handles are invisible until needed on the Z Fold7. The Good Lock ecosystem allows for a minimalist interface, displaying only what is needed.
The user is also testing the same setup on a Samsung S25 Ultra, and finds the consistency between cover and main displays allows for the same gesture patterns to work whether the Z Fold7 is closed or opened.
Events like video calls on the main display become sleeker with the integration of smartphone technology, such as the Good Lock One Hand Operation+ module on the Galaxy Z Fold7 and S25 Ultra devices running One UI 8. This technology enables gadget-savvy users to adjust volume, toggle mute, or switch apps without altering the call interface, all through seamless gesture navigation. Furthermore, during extended one-handed use, technology like this eradicates awkward thumb stretches, enhancing user experience.
