Desmontei Turns TicWatch Pro 3 Into Gear-Knob Display With 2 Functions
Updated
Updated · Android Authority · May 22
Desmontei Turns TicWatch Pro 3 Into Gear-Knob Display With 2 Functions
2 articles · Updated · Android Authority · May 22
Desmontei repurposed a TicWatch Pro 3’s display and motherboard into a 3D-printed gear knob that shows the car’s active gear on the lever itself.
A custom Wear OS app uses accelerometer and gyroscope readings to calculate the knob’s angle and infer which gear is engaged.
Hill driving initially threw off the readings, but he said he fine-tuned the algorithm to reduce incorrect gear displays.
Swipe gestures add a second use: the modified knob can pause Spotify or skip tracks while driving.
A second version is already planned, with stronger SLS-printed material and possibly a second car-mounted sensor for more reliable angle reference on inclines.
Could your old smartwatch be the next upgrade for your car, or is this DIY trend a safety risk?
Can upcycling millions of old smartwatches into car parts truly impact our global e-waste problem?
As cars become software-defined, will DIY hacks begin to replace expensive factory options?