The MouthPad has made its debut at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, showcasing a unique tongue-operated touchpad capable of turning your tongue into a functional mouse for laptops, tablets, and phones.
The MouthPad, cleverly named as a play on “mousepad,” was unveiled by its creators as a discreet and innovative device that sits at the roof of the mouth, functioning like a conventional Bluetooth mouse. Co-founder Tomás Vega demonstrated the technology’s capabilities by effortlessly navigating an iPhone and capturing a selfie during the public presentation at CES.
Crafted from a dental-grade resin, the MouthPad’s design resembles a retainer, complete with a touchpad, battery, and Bluetooth radio. The device’s battery, sourced from Varta, boasts a track record in producing safe, medical implant-grade batteries. Despite the initial apprehension of placing a battery-powered device in the mouth, the use of well-established oral health industry technology offers a level of reassurance.
During the live demonstration, Vega showcased the 7.5-gram MouthPad placed on his palate, emphasizing its unobtrusive design. The touchpad, at a thickness of 5mm, responded seamlessly as Vega opened apps and menus on his iPhone.
The device allows users to speak with it in their mouths and lasts approximately five hours on a single charge, with plans to extend this to eight hours by March. Recharging takes about an hour and a half, conveniently aligning with meal times.
Utilizing Apple’s Assistive Touch feature for iOS navigation, the MouthPad is also recognized by other devices as a Bluetooth mouse. Currently available for early access sign-ups, the MouthPad is individually 3D printed based on dental impressions provided during the ordering process. Early access users receive dedicated assistance from the company for setup, calibration, and ongoing support.
In the tongue-operated controllers market, the MouthPad stands out as an elegant and sophisticated option. Its compatibility with various devices and advanced production readiness set it apart. As the device progresses towards general availability later this year, only long-term real-world usage will reveal the full potential of the human tongue as a viable organ for computer interactions.
Source: engadget.com
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