In the last twenty years the world has been revolutionised by the mobile phone and the virtual world that exists alongside it. This virtual reality provides many people with an escape; it’s somewhere you can be whoever you want to be and do whatever you want to do. As a result, software companies are continuously updating and evolving their technology to provide users with the most innovative experience. One of the most recent introductions is the function of gesture control in apps.

Although this is a relatively new concept, it’s something that has been, and is being, added to apps literally as we type. But what exactly is gesture control, and why is it so revolutionary? Gesture recognition software is essentially a computer, phone or other electrical device, being able to interpret the movements of a human and translate that movement into a command – the possibilities of which are endless.

Although this technology is being experimented with all over the world, it’s the Indian technology industry which has certainly made the most progression, with many Indian companies, such as Cube26, having not only developed, but also released gesture control software into the wider world. With the market for gesture control products being so huge - expected to reach around $22 billion by 2020 - we thought it was only right to evaluate these apps ourselves, so here we take a look at some of the best apps available right now using gesture recognition technology.

Xposed Gesture Navigation

Xposed Gesture Navigation is an app for android phones which makes controlling your phone easier than ever before. Fancy locking your phone, controlling your music player or navigating the home screen with nothing more than a flick of the wrist? Funnily enough, now you can because this app can be controlled using a number of different gestures and can be made to perform a whole host of different tasks.

Partypoker

The partypoker app is a real-money poker app which – for the first time – can be completely controlled using your own movements, mimicking the live version of the game.

Whether you want to increase or decrease your bet or fold your hand, it’s simpler to use than ever before and can be downloaded at the touch – or swipe – of a button.

SwipePad – Gesture Launcher

This one’s simple but very, very smart. Unlike some apps, SwipePad won’t eat your battery or your phone’s memory but what it will do is launch a new app with just a swipe of your finger – simple.

All in one Gestures

Another app centred around controlling your phone’s basic functions using gesture control, All in one Gestures allows you to perform all manner of tasks with a simple swipe or flick.

The newest updates to this app include ‘Soft Home key long press’ and essential bug fixes and maintenance, along with many more improvements.

As mentioned previously, this really is a revolutionary advance in technology and that point is reiterated even further by the fact that the majority of gesture control apps already on the market are only able to handle simple commands.

So in answer to the initial question, it seems it’s a pretty safe bet to say yes, gesture controls certainly are the future of mobile apps – in fact, they’re the present – so keep an eye out because it won’t be long until your favourite app joins the party.