TapXR allows you to tap commands for XR devices with your fingers

Tap Systems introduces a new version of the TapXR wrist controller that allows you to touch any surface and create keyboard-like input for XR devices.

The company boldly claims that 150 years after the introduction of the QWERTY keyboard and 56 years after the advent of the computer mouse, both devices are officially obsolete.

Tap Systems has created wearable data entry technology and is showing off significantly updated technology
version of the TapXR wrist controller at the Augmented World Expo 2024 in Long Beach, California.

How it’s working

The TapXR module weighs just half an ounce (14 grams) and can be worn on the wrist with the included strap or tethered to any smartwatch. Tap Systems’ patented optomechanical technology detects gestures accurately and effectively.

Unlike the traditional, bulky and expensive electronic devices typically associated with smart glasses, TapXR provides a lightweight, cost-effective solution that enables data entry no matter where people are – walking down the street, on the subway – traditional limitations no longer apply.

Others have tried to create spatial input controllers. However, the company says these other systems typically detect one- or two-finger gestures with limited accuracy. TapXR can detect over 35 different gestures with 99% accuracy, Tap Systems claims.

All this is made possible by Tap Systems’ key patent, US10,599,216, which defines the basic threading invention and patents both the first generation Tap Strap technology and the current TapXR optomechanical technology. The technology combines image sensors with mechanical sensors (IMU) to obtain precise information about finger and hand movements.

The next generation of spatial data

Traditional XR controllers only support pointing and clicking. However, a 3D experience requires a 3D controller, Tap Systems says. The new TapXR supports advanced multi-finger gestures, providing a more fluid, immersive and intuitive way to navigate, scroll, select, drag, drop and activate content in both spatial and standard desktop environments – without sacrificing precision or comfort.

The TapXR spatial input device not only replaces the mouse. It also allows you to write quickly and accurately without eyes. There’s no need to look down and type awkwardly or use a pointer to laboriously select characters on the screen. Instead, TapXR allows users to enter text efficiently by touching any surface, making it suitable for on-the-go situations and increasing productivity. Tap users have achieved typing speeds in excess of 70 words per minute – with one hand.

TapXR is compatible with Meta Quest, MS Hololens, MS Mixed Reality, Magic Leap, Lenovo, Xreal, Pico, HTC Vive, Epson Moverio, Vuzix, Realwear and others. This device has been designed from the ground up to integrate seamlessly with smart glasses, but you can also pair it with your phone, laptop, PC, game console, or any device that supports Bluetooth input devices.

“The ability to detect micro-gestures is the holy grail for fast, easy and sustainable data entry,” Dovid Schick, CEO of Tap Systems and inventor of the device, said in a statement. “With TapXR, we have achieved this – without compromising accuracy and in a package that is affordable, convenient and easy to use. By moving the input sensor from the headset to the wrist, we enable a new generation of small, lightweight smart glasses.

Additionally, Tap Systems is today launching a comprehensive SDK that allows developers to integrate multi-finger gestures directly into their applications. This opens up a world of possibilities for creating innovative and interactive spatial computing applications, driving the adoption and evolution of smart glasses and other wearable technologies. For example, controlling a media player can be as simple as play/pause with finger 1 + thumb, skip/back with finger 2 thumb, activate search with finger 3 + thumb, and activate camera with finger 4 + thumb.

Developers interested in supporting TapXR can visit this link or Github for more information.

TapXR can also be programmed by end users, making it a versatile super controller for artists, musicians, streamers and creators of all kinds. Users can create, share and save their own macros, hotkeys and presets – or they can download any of thousands of user-created maps for languages, apps and tools.

TapXR is available worldwide and can be ordered today at www.tapwithus.com and Amazon for $199. A free firmware update in August will activate multi-finger gesture support and the SDK for both new customers and those who have purchased TapXR in the past.

TapXR is made of flexible material and comes with two strap sizes to fit virtually any wrist size. The battery lasts 10 hours of active use or 14 days of standby. Magnetic charging cable included. Customers can choose from a variety of colors to match TapXR to their style – including Spring Blue, Starlight, Matte Green, Dusty Rose and Funky Red.

The device comes with four Tap mobile apps – TapManager to control settings, TapGenius to learn how to use the device and the alphabet, TapAcademy to become a tapping expert, and TapAloud, a voice-controlled version of TapGenius.

Tap Systems, Inc. was founded in Pasadena, California in 2015 by Schick and Sabrina Kemeny. The company’s goal was to develop an easy and user-friendly way to interact with modern technology. Since then, the founders have built a world-class team of scientists, engineers and designers from Asia, North America, Oceania and Europe. The company’s flagship product, TapXR, uses patented optomechanical technology to provide seamless and intuitive input solutions for spatial computing and smart glasses.