Great presentations aren’t just about the content -- how they’re delivered matters, too. Android app Swoosh helps you stand out by stepping through your slides with just a wave of the hand.
The $2 app needs a server component on your Windows, Mac or Linux system. There’s no installation or configuration required, just run the download, launch Swoosh, and as long as they’re both on the same Wi-Fi, they should find each other automatically.
With the setup complete, just swipe your hand left or right above the screen, Swoosh uses the device camera to detect your gesture, and steps forwards or backwards through your presentation.
The system is compatible with PowerPoint, Google Slides, Acrobat Reader, Slidely, Prezi and more.
Potential catches? Gestures need to be quite precise -- your full hand has to move around 12 inches above the screen -- and of course you won’t look quite so smooth if you have to go back several slides. Although you don’t have to use Swoosh as the sole controller, of course -- you can always switch to your laptop or some other system when it’s more appropriate.
As we write the developer is also warning that "some 'Guest' Wi-Fi networks will not work", although apparently this is only "temporary". Presumably an update will appear to fix the problem soon.
Swoosh won’t suit everyone, then, but it’s a neat idea for some situations, and can work well.