Google Cap lets you type with your head
When Google comes to mind, you might think of its world-famous search engine or its emerging artificial intelligence projects. Yet, those pale compared to its latest joke invention, the Gboard CAPS project, a hat that lets you type letters by tapping your head! Its Japanese division released a funny video seemingly demonstrating the headgear’s unique feature.
Of course, Google did not release this to the market as an actual product. However, silly inventions like the Google Cap promote creativity that fuels innovation, no cap (truthfully). Most people would view this ludicrous headgear as a joke, which it is. However, it may inspire some to invent a product never seen before.
This article will discuss Google Japan’s joke contraption. Later, I will provide tips to improve your typing skills without relying on the Google cap!
How does the Google Cap work?
The Google cap lets you type characters on your phone or computer by tapping your head. It links to your devices via Bluetooth for convenient use.
Google Japan calls it the Gboard hat, so the company designed it to look like a keycap. Keycaps are covers for keyboard switches that input specific characters and commands.
Wouldn’t that mean you can only type one letter with your hat? Does that mean you need several Gboard caps to input several characters? Fortunately, Google Japan designed its revolutionary product to be fashionable, portable, and wearable.
The Gboard Japan blog said, “I want to carry around a keyboard that fits my hand, but my hands are full, and I can’t. We developed it with not only portability in mind but also functionality and form.”
That is why it has a 6-axis inertial sensor that enables the Google cap’s Atama (head) Input. Rotate the hat and tap to input different characters.
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That means typing messages involves spinning your hat repeatedly while hitting your head. Jokes aside, Google Japan is known for posting funny products online.
For example, it released the Gboard Stick Version keyboard before its Google Cap. The former is a 5.25-foot-long keyboard that arranges buttons in a single row.
You can’t buy the Google hat, but you can make one. Google Japan shared guides to create the headgear with cardboard or a 3D printer. Click here if you’d like to make one yourself.
How to improve your typing skills
The Google Cap is not a product that will help you type better on your keyboard or smartphone. Fortunately, there are proven ways to enhance your messaging skills.
Start by learning your typing speed. Knowing how many words per minute (wpm) you can input lets you know how much improvement you need.
You can try numerous free websites to measure your typing speed. Then, compare your results with the average for keyboards and mobile devices, which is roughly 38 to 40 wpm.
Next, practice typing on your keyboard or smartphone. You can find numerous free typing exercises online that will help you hone your skills with dedicated repetition.
Focus on the placement of your fingers so that you can learn to touch type. It is a skill that involves performing keystrokes without looking at the keyboard.
Eventually, you’ll learn to hit the Shift and Caps Lock keys with your pinkies to enter alternate characters and uppercase letters. However, touch typing only works on keyboards because smart devices don’t provide haptic feedback.
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In other words, your tablet and phone do not have physical buttons for their keyboards. That is why it’s impossible to input commands without looking at the screen.
You can hone your skills by practicing typing on your phone. Also, you can facilitate typing on your mobile by downloading keyboard apps like Typewise.
It has a unique hexagonal keyboard that may boost your typing accuracy and speed. Alternatively, you may put your phone in landscape orientation to enlarge the buttons.
Conclusion
Google Japan released a funny video about its joke product, the Gboard hat. It is not a product for sale, but you can create one by following its online guide.
As I said, whimsical ideas like the Google Cap promote ingenuity, leading to powerful inventions. For example, Filipino inventor Jeremy De Leon won the James Dyson Award for creating a keychain microscope.
Believe it or not, he created the prototype to join a TikTok contest, which he also won! Learn more about the latest digital tips and trends at Inquirer Tech.
