The Google Pixel Watch may finally be ready to compete with the Apple Watch Series 5 once the motion gesture feature detailed in a new patent (and the watch itself) is realized in the fall.

As Patently Apple reported, last week the U.S. Patent Office granted Google the rights to an in-watch system that uses optical sensors to trace motion gestures made on the wearer's arm, wrist, or fingers.

According to the patent, gestures are registered based on which wrist the watch is on. Google's motion sensor allows a physical movement, such as making a fist or holding up a particular finger, to launch a specified app or even Google Assistant. Think of it like a more advanced version of Apple's raise-to-wake feature.

As for how the Google Pixel Watch's motion gestures would work, the patent suggests "an optical sensor embedded in the watch housing of a future smartwatch that detects gestures from the movement of the user's fingers, wrist, and/or the arm wearing the watch algorithm".

No actual Pixel Watch exists, but whatever this patent is, Apple's next-generation smartwatch may get some attention.

The Cupertino company is rumored to be working on its own hand gesture feature, but the Apple Watch 6's focus is on improved mental health tools, sleep tracking, and improved battery life. Even if Apple is working on its own motion gestures, Google could be first to market.

We have been waiting for years for Google to make its own smartwatch, even though Wear OS watches made on Google's software platform have been largely unimpressive. But Pixel users can argue that they deserve a dedicated wearable that is cleverly integrated with Android phone features, from smart health tracking to clever Google Assistant compatibility.

It is unclear if the Google Pixel Watch will launch at the same time as the Pixel 5. However, based on all the recent leaks about the company's next flagship smartphone, we should start seeing more buzz if a companion wearable is coming soon.