Tap Systems

Tap Systems is a developer of a wearable Bluetooth keyboard designed to help users type by tapping fingers on any surface. The company's keyboard turns anything the users can touch into a typing surface, a table, a chair, or even a body that can be interfaced with any Bluetooth-enabled device, allowing users to enter text and control their device just by tapping their fingers on any surface. Tap Systems was established in 2015 and is based in Pasadena, California.

Tap Systems is a company that has developed a wearable keyboard called Tap Strap (later rebranded as TapXR). This device allows users to input text and commands by tapping their fingers on any surface, with the movements being tracked by sensors embedded in the wearable. The Tap Strap/TapXR connects to devices via Bluetooth and can be used with phones, tablets, smart TVs, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets.

This wearable keyboard will let you type from anywhere

Tap Systems Launches TapXR - A Wrist Worn Keyboard/Controller For AR and VR

Tap Systems launches TapXR wrist-worn AR & VR controller

Tap Is The Wearable Keyboard Of The Future

Tap Systems Launches TapXR, A Wearable Keyboard For AR And VR

From counting steps to saving lives and beyond

Wearable Tech

Tap Systems is the creator of the TapXR wrist-worn controller (launched in June 2024; priced at USD 199). The TapXR module weighs 14 g, offers a 10-hour battery life, and can be worn on the wrist with its included strap or tethered to a smartwatch. It supports multi-finger gestures for typing, navigation, selecting, dragging, and activating content in spatial and standard computing environments. It is compatible with various XR headsets and glasses and can connect via Bluetooth to devices like phones, laptops, and gaming consoles.&nbsp;

Technologies bringing about a new reality

Extended Reality

Tap Systems is a company that has developed a wearable keyboard called Tap Strap (later rebranded as TapXR). This device allows users to input text and commands by tapping their fingers on any surface, with the movements being tracked by sensors embedded in the wearable. The Tap Strap/TapXR connects to devices via Bluetooth and can be used with phones, tablets, smart TVs, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets.
The company's technology works by sensing the user's finger taps and decoding them into digital signals. It does not follow the traditional QWERTY keyboard layout. Instead, tapping one finger represents a vowel, while combinations of finger taps represent consonants and other characters. This approach allows users to type and control devices without relying on physical keyboards or touch screens.
One of the key advantages of Tap Systems' wearable keyboard is its ability to enable fast, accurate, and discreet input without causing fatigue. The company claims that users can achieve typing speeds of over 70 words per minute with one hand using the TapXR. Additionally, the device offers over 100 customizable commands, providing a versatile input method for various applications.
Tap Systems positions the TapXR as a solution to the lack of comfortable interaction methods for AR/VR/XR headsets. The company believes its wearable keyboard will enable wider usage of these technologies for productivity, commerce, and the metaverse by allowing users to type, select menus, and interact more efficiently.
In October 2022, Tap Systems launched the TapXR, which features full keyboard emulation, over 99% accuracy, 10 hours of battery life (plus 14 days of standby), the ability to tap on any surface, and compatibility with any Bluetooth-enabled device. The TapXR also includes a six Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) inertial measurement unit (IMU) for hand and finger tracking, open-source SDKs, and two size options to fit all users.

Biostrap is a company that provides scalable and customizable biosensor-based precision health monitoring solutions. Their innovative wearable devices, such as the Biostrap Kairos launched in July 2023, offer advanced autonomic nervous system analysis and quantification of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches through wrist-worn devices. Kairos utilizes a high-sensitivity CMOS optical sensor to capture raw photoplethysmography (PPG) data, enabling accurate computation of biometrics like heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), beat-to-beat intervals, respiratory rate, and sleep-related parameters.
Biostrap's key differentiator lies in its commitment to delivering clinically reliable nervous system analysis through detailed and transparent biometric measurements. The Spot Check feature provides real-time visualization of the underlying PPG signal, signal quality, and R-R intervals, granting untethered access to every data point captured. This configurability and data integrity attracted clients like the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) in the UK for their sleep, fatigue, and recovery program.
Kairos underwent extensive testing by HRV experts and achieved impressive accuracy levels, comparable to ECG chest straps. The launch marked Biostrap's pivot from the consumer wearable market to offering configurable hardware and software solutions for enterprise and research purposes.

Biostrap

Caeden is a wearable technology company that develops smart bracelets focused on promoting mindfulness and reducing stress. Their flagship product, the Sona smart bracelet, combines fashion and technology by integrating an advanced heart rate sensor into a genuine leather bracelet design. Launched in May 2016, the Sona retailed for USD 200 and offered a unique "Resonance" program, consisting of various breathing exercises tailored for different moments throughout the user's day.
The Sona aimed to provide a reprieve from the fast-paced city life by enabling users to start their day with a moment of zen, find calm and focus before important meetings, and unwind after workouts through concentrated breathing exercises. Caeden's founders, Nora Levinson and David Watkins, believed that regular use of the Resonance program could help build the user's resistance to stress, addressing a significant health issue faced by many.
Differentiating itself from step-tracking devices like Fitbit and smartwatches acting as smartphone extensions, the Sona positioned itself as a luxury item powered by technology designed to improve the wearer's overall quality of life through mindfulness. With its discreet design concealing the technology, the Sona aimed to offer mindfulness without drawing attention to the wearer's use of a device for that purpose.

Caeden

MyKronoz is a Swiss company that specializes in producing innovative hybrid smartwatches. Their flagship product, the ZeTime, was first launched in 2017 after a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. The ZeTime features a unique design that combines traditional mechanical watch hands with a full-color touchscreen display, allowing it to function as both an analog watch and a smartwatch.
The watch offers activity tracking capabilities, including monitoring steps, calories burned, and sleep patterns using built-in sensors such as an accelerometer and optical heart rate monitor. It also provides smartwatch functionalities like displaying notifications, controlling music playback, and viewing incoming calls. The ZeTime's mechanical hands intelligently adjust their position to avoid obstructing the touchscreen display when interacting with the device.
One of the key advantages of the ZeTime is its impressive battery life. In watch mode, the battery can last up to 30 days on a single charge, while the smartwatch mode offers around 3-4 days of usage. The device also allows users to customize watch faces, either by selecting from pre-set options or creating their own designs using templates or personal photos.
The ZeTime received praise for its innovative concept and strong battery life. Some reviews, however, criticized its half-baked operating system, unresponsive touchscreen, and inconsistent activity tracking. Despite these drawbacks, MyKronoz's hybrid smartwatches garnered global recognition for their unique approach to wearable technology.

MyKronoz

Ringly is a company that produces fashionable smart jewelry, primarily rings and bracelets, aimed at the female market. Their devices are designed to discreetly notify wearers of incoming calls, messages, and app notifications through vibrations and LED lights. The rings are made from materials like 14k gold, sterling silver, and semi-precious gemstones like onyx, labradorite, and moonstone.
Ringly's core product is a smart ring that connects to the user's smartphone via Bluetooth. Through the Ringly app, users can customize which notifications trigger the ring's vibrations and colored LED lights. The app supports over 100 apps like calls, texts, emails, calendar alerts, and social media platforms. The rings are water-resistant and have a battery life of 2-3 days.
While technologically simple, Ringly's rings prioritize a fashionable and discreet design over advanced features. The idea is to provide a stylish alternative to smartwatches that seamlessly blends into the user's wardrobe and lifestyle without being obtrusive. Ringly has focused on creating fashionable jewelry pieces that also offer practical notification capabilities.

Ringly

Healbe Corporation is a technology company that develops wearable devices and associated software for health and wellness monitoring. The company's flagship product is the Healbe GoBe, a smart band that utilizes proprietary FLOW Technology to automatically track various body parameters. The GoBe device employs a combination of sensors, including an accelerometer, piezo pressure sensor, and impedance sensor, along with advanced algorithms to provide insights into users' overall health.
The GoBe smart band is designed to automatically measure calorie intake through the skin, eliminating the need for manual food logging. It also tracks calories burned, hydration levels, stress levels, sleep quality, heart rate, blood pressure, and physical activity. In November 2015, Healbe introduced automatic hydration level monitoring to the GoBe device, making it the first wearable to offer this feature without requiring manual input of fluid consumption.
Healbe's technology adapts to individual body characteristics, providing personalized insights and recommendations. The device monitors hydration levels continuously and alerts users when they need to drink more water. It also tracks emotional stress and helps users correlate it with their body's physical responses. The GoBe smart band measures energy expenditure throughout the day, including basal metabolism, regardless of physical activity levels.
The company's latest model, the GoBe3, incorporates additional features such as EDA-based Neuroactivity tracking and physiological stress estimation. It also offers improved sleep tracking capabilities, including detailed analysis of sleep phases and smart alarm functions designed to wake users during optimal sleep stages.
Healbe has developed a companion mobile application that synchronizes with the GoBe device in real-time, allowing users to view and analyze their data. The app provides detailed information on various health parameters and offers integration with Google Fit for a more comprehensive health data ecosystem.

Healbe

Wearable devices in form factors, such as wristwear and rings, designed to monitor and track various aspects of a person's physical activity, health, and wellness

Wearable entertainment devices designed primarily for entertainment and leisure purposes. These come in the form of hearables, wearable cameras, personalized smart devices, etc.

Apparel that incorporate electronic components, sensors, and connectivity features to provide functionalities beyond traditional clothing and accessories

Specialized wearable devices designed for use in industrial and work settings. These include safety wearables that come in the form of head-mounted devices, smart gloves, exoskeletons, etc.

Wearable devices, which are designed to monitor, collect, and transmit various health-related data, and wearable assistive devices. These come in the form of cardiac monitoring devices, glucose monitors, wearable pulse oximeters, hearing impairment aids, visual aids, etc.

Enhances the user experience by enabling language translation, contextual awareness, and personalized recommendations, making wearables more versatile and user-centric

Leveraging technology to collect data about the user's activities, preferences, and health metrics before using this information to provide personalized experiences

Industrial wearables contribute to increased efficiency, safety, and productivity in industrial settings by providing real-time data and connectivity solutions for workers and equipment

Empowers wearable devices to continuously improve and adapt to user preferences, offering personalized insights and recommendations based on user data

Enhances the functionality of wearables and allows users to access and interact with data through various devices and services in the broader IoT ecosystem

Tap Systems is the creator of the TapXR wrist-worn controller (launched in June 2024; priced at USD 199). The TapXR module weighs 14 g, offers a 10-hour battery life, and can be worn on the wrist with its included strap or tethered to a smartwatch. It supports multi-finger gestures for typing, navigation, selecting, dragging, and activating content in spatial and standard computing environments. It is compatible with various XR headsets and glasses and can connect via Bluetooth to devices like phones, laptops, and gaming consoles.&nbsp;TapXR uses opto-mechanical technology claimed to detect more than 35 distinct gestures, with 99% accuracy for gesture recognition. Tap Systems also developed the Tap Strap 2 (USD 99), a single-handed all-in-one wearable keyboard, mouse, and air gesture controller.The company also offers an SDK, allowing developers to integrate multi-finger gestures into specific applications. Further, consumers can create and share their own hotkeys, macros, and presets and download compatible apps for the device. Tap Systems offers four in-built applications for users as well—TapAloud (for voice recognition), TapManager (settings controls), TapGenius, and TapAcademy (solutions on how to use the device).Key customers and partnershipsTapXR is targeted at consumers (content creators) and enterprises, with over 35 reviews on Amazon as of June 2024.

Interplay Learning (Interplay) provides on-demand, interactive, and hands-on simulation learning courses for skilled trades, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, solar, and facilities maintenance, through VR, mobile, and desktop applications. The learning courses also include simulated walkthrough videos where experts lead users through procedure guides methodically, with knowledge testing features and additional learning material such as wiring diagrams, equations, sample system configs, and charts at the end of each lesson. The platform also enables managers to track user progress.The company operates a subscription-based model with monthly packages for individuals (USD 54) and teams (USD 229), alongside a custom plan for larger organizations.Key customers and partnershipsNotable customers include Tesla and Rheem Manufacturing. Interplay’s customer usage rose by 445% YoY in 2020. As of February 2021, the platform had over 2,000 customers and 110,000 users across the US.Funding and financialsIn its last funding round (February 2021), Interplay raised USD 18 million in Series B funding co-led by S3 Ventures and Owl Ventures, the world’s largest venture capital firm focused on education technology. As part of the deal, Managing Director of Owl Ventures, Ian Chiu, joined Interplay’s board. The funds were raised to expand its offering to new markets and to accelerate its vision to combine immersive learning experiences with a human connection.

Interplay Learning

Switzerland-based WayRay develops holographic AR technology and hardware for the automobile sector. Its technology is used in head-up displays (HUDs) that project images into a driver’s field of vision to assist with navigation. Although its initial focus was on developing HUDs that can be purchased and installed in any vehicle, it has since pivoted to producing embedded HUD systems (i.e., hardware built into vehicles). WayRay’s HUDs are considered to provide a wider field of vision and combine data (location and mapping information) with vision data to generate images by projecting a laser beam through a Picture Generating Unit (PGU) onto a Holographic Optical Element (HOE).&nbsp;In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18537">May 2023</a>, WayRay announced integration of its AR displays into Tesla Model 3's in Switzerland, with plans to follow shortly afterwards in the US. Previously, in September 2021 the company launched its deep reality system that replaces the traditional car dashboard. In addition, WayRay launched “The Holograktor” dubbed the first “metaverse on wheels”, which can be driven conventionally or using a remote control via a 5G and satellite connection (November 2021).&nbsp;The company’s founder and CEO, Vitaly Ponomarev, identified that its systems are more advanced, backed by more patents, and potentially 20x smaller than comparable devices in the market. WayRay’s HQ in Switzerland also acts as a product design and development hub, while its R&amp;D center and prototyping factory are based in Russia.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsThe company is backed by strategic investors such as luxury automaker Porsche, which highlighted the management’s expertise in space engineering, hardware, and software development as key reasons for its investment, Hyundai Motor Co., and Alibaba. It is also notable that these investors, particularly Hyundai, are looking at ways to potentially use WayRay’s technology to offer more services in the future. For instance, Hyundai believed that the technology could be used for smart cities and smart buildings, which are its new areas of interest.WayRay partnered with Karma Automotive, a producer of luxury electric vehicles, in December 2021 to support the implementation of its HUDs into their test fleet. Moreover, it partnered with a leader in designing and manufacturing specialty glass, AGP eGlass, in September 2021 to further proliferate its technology.&nbsp; Funding and financialsIt was reported in April 2021 that the company is considering a public listing at a USD 2 billion valuation via a SPAC, although no further updates on this have been announced as at January 2024.&nbsp;

WayRay

AmazeVR initially focused on developing VR technologies but pivoted to VR concerts in late 2019. The concerts are backed by proprietary 9K cameras and software that automate complex VR concert visual effects that run on more than 100 headsets simultaneously. Users join and hang out with other users as avatars while experiencing VR concerts. It intends to bring VR concerts by major artists to theaters and eventually, homes.AmazeVR rolled out its first commercial VR concert, which will feature 3x Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion, in 2022. The artist is expected to tour select AMC Theaters across the US. It is also in the final stages of closing deals with its second and third artists. AmazeVR also revealed plans to release weekly content by 2024 in theaters and for at-home viewers.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/20145">July 2023</a>, AmazeVR launched its official AmazeVR Concerts app, featuring an exclusive VR concert from Swedish pop star, Zara Larsson. The app is available on major VR app stores, and the exclusive Zara Larsson VR concert can be accessed for a year at a launch price of USD 6.99. AmazeVR also produces and monetizes VR content on a subscription basis.As of August 2023, the company was in the process of producing and releasing mixed reality concerts by overlaying virtual elements onto live, real-world video.Funding and financialsThe company’s most recent funding was in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13338">September 2022</a>, when it raised USD 17 million in a Series B funding round led by Mirae Asset Capital. The fresh funds were allocated to expand partnerships with artists, artist management companies, labels, publishers, and agencies.

AmazeVR

Dispelix, based in Finland, designs and manufactures single-layer, full-color waveguide displays, a thin (about 1mm) transparent element that takes in a projected image and relays it to the eye, using a nanophotonics-based approach catering to AR applications (e.g., smart glasses). It uses laser beam scanning technology to render laser-sharp images with a gamut of color palettes, which are displayed using beam-combiner technology. Its patented and proprietary approach includes diffractive surface relief gratings, which are elements used for high-power laser applications, fabricated on high refractive index glass wafers that enhance field-of-view and image quality.The company had a total of more than 40 granted or pending patent families as of November 2021. Its product line, Dispelix DPX, includes Dispelix DPX - Ohut, Dispelix DPX - Selva, and Dispelix DPX - Sade with a varying degree of field of view, form factor, and weight. According to Co-Founder and CTO Juuso Olkkonen, its displays are the lightest and thinnest in the market.Key customers and partnerships1) Foxconn and Pegatron: to create reference designs for AR glasses based on its Selvä waveguide display (October 2023)&nbsp;2) VividQ: created a “waveguide combiner” which accurately displays variable-depth 3D content in a user’s environment (January 2023)3) ColorChip and Maradin: To further Light Beam Scanning (LBS) solutions for AR glasses (October 2022)4) Jade Bird Displays: To develop multiple reference designs for AR devices (June 2022)5) AAC Technologies: To improve waveguide displays for the AR and MR industry (March 2022)6) OQmented: for the development and commercialization of MEMS-based LBS technology (November 2021)7) Coretronic: To develop a range of AR optical module solutions (December 2020)8) Hoya Corporation: To improve quality of waveguide displays (November 2020)Funding and financialsIn its most recent funding round (November 2021), Dispelix raised USD 33 million in a Series B funding round co-led by Atlantic Bridge, CCB Trust, and Flashpoint with participation from Lifeline Ventures, VTT Ventures, and 3M Ventures. The funds were allocated to product development. It revealed that several OEM customers were slated to integrate its technology into their consumer offerings by 2023.

Dispelix

DigiLens is a developer of holographic waveguides, which is a clear, thin piece of glass or plastic, used for AR devices. In January 2023, the company launched ARGO, an XR smartglass designed for enterprise and industrial use, the first AR device to utilize Qualcomm’s SnapDragon XR2 platform. Other specifications included 6-degrees of freedom (6-DoF) tracking, a 30-degree field-of-view, spatial audio, a 48MP RGB camera, voice and gaze recognition, access to real-time data visualizations, and a 2,500-nits HD display.&nbsp;The company’s first product, the DigiLens Crystal was introduced in 2019, was a thin-film laser-etched photopolymer embedded with microscopic holograms of mirror-like optics. By projecting a micro display to one end of the lens and another set of optics working to guide the light wave toward the eye, this proved to be an ideal piece of hardware for AR devices, which are preferred with as little hardware as possible.&nbsp;It claims that its patented optical platform and photopolymer technology coupled with a holographic copy manufacturing process enable it to produce cheaper and more scalable solutions. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17598">April 2023</a>, the company announced the launch of SRG+, a surface relief gratings product that improves upon its waveguide technology.The company generates revenue by licensing its technology across a range of industries including the automobile, enterprise, consumer, avionics, and military sectors. DigiLens also offers a white-label solution for automotive companies whereby it creates holographic waveguides for windshields that could offer in-cabin experiences for drivers.&nbsp;&nbsp; Key customers and partnershipsKey partnerships include that with1) Phantom Technologies: - Phantom Technology: To integrate Phantom's CASSI Spatial AI assistant into the DigiLens ARGO glasses, providing features such as spatial search, a contextual assistant, and task management using voice commands (October 2023)2) Wisear: To integrate its neural interface-powered earphones with the ARGO smart glasses (May 2023)3) Mojo Vision: To utilize Mojo Vision's micro-LED technology to build improved AR glasses (May 2023)4) Taqtile: To integrate the company's ARGO smart glasses with Taqtile's AR work platform, Manifest (May 2023)5) OMNIVISION: To develop new XR product offerings (January 2023)Other partnerships include that with OMNIVISION (January 2023), a leading global developer of semiconductor solutions to develop new XR product offerings. OMNIVISION’s liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panels allowed DigiLens to build LCOS/LED projectors optimized for its holographic waveguides. OMNIVISION's core camera technology provides DigiLens' devices with features such as visual odometry and six degrees of freedom.&nbsp;DigiLens also works with Taiwanese licensed waveguide manufacturer Young Optics, Chinese original design manufacturer and electronics supplier Malata, Korean display manufacturer Sekonix, international technology company Continental, Chinese optical elements manufacturer Crystal Optech, and Mitsubishi Chemical.&nbsp;Funding and financialsIn April 2022, DigiLens announced the second close of its Series D funding round (intiial close in November 2021) in which it raised USD 50 million at a valuation of USD 530 million. The funds were allocated for the development of DesignV1, its second-generation product.

DigiLens

Companies developing XR headsets and relevant sub-components (displays, sensors, and processors). Also includes complementary XR hardware (tracking devices, haptic vests, and gloves)

Companies offering engines that enable the development of AR/VR content, also includes companies offering capabilities to capture and create 3D images for immersive environments

Companies offering AR/VR solutions or toolkits for specific industry applications, including VR game developers

Companies offering location-based AR/VR experiences

AR/VR platforms offer remote assistance to field experts and headset manufacturers facilitate virtual work

Some solutions in the "content" segment are offered under a B2B SaaS model

Headsets and content segments provide the building blocks for the metaverse

AR, VR, and MR are the primary enabling technologies for the XR industry

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 Tap Systems, a wearable device manufacturer, unveiled an improved model of its TapXR wrist controller at the Augmented World Expo 2024. The advanced version only weighs 14g and can either be worn directly on the wrist or attached to a smartwatch.
 The TapXR module is versatile as it is compatible with a range of XR headsets and glasses, and connects to multiple devices, including phones, laptops and gaming consoles, through Bluetooth.
 The unique feature of TapXR is its opto-mechanical technology that can accurately recognise over 35 different gestures with a claimed 99% accuracy. This wearable devise enables users to interact with both spatial and standard computing environments through multi-finger gestures for tasks such as typing, selecting and dragging, and activating content.
</div> Analyst QuickTake: 
 Apple’s Vision Pro also offers gesture navigation across applications, utilizing in-built infrared cameras for hand and eye tracking. Additionally, the improved device follows its initial announcement in <a href="https: 
//www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spatial-computings-ultimate-input-device-is-here---tapxr-unveils-upgraded-device-and-sdk-at-awe-2024-302175880.html"> October 2022 </a> (priced at USD 199).

Tap Systems

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