The Gboard Caps project is a wearable keyboard that takes the shape of a giant keycap hat. It was developed by Google Japan as a joke to promote its Gboard app, which is a virtual keyboard for smartphones and tablets. The hat has a six-axis inertial sensor that detects its rotation and assigns different character codes to each angle. To type, the wearer has to press down on the top of the hat, which has 20 mm of travel. The keystroke is then sent to a connected device via Bluetooth.
The Gboard Caps project is not a commercial product, but rather a DIY project that anyone can try to make at home. Google Japan has open-sourced the firmware and hardware of the hat on GitHub, where enthusiasts can find the blueprints and instructions for creating their own key-cap hats using a 3D printer or cardboard and scissors. The hat also has a USB-C port for charging its 3.7 V, 120 mAh battery. Google Japan has also imagined different designs and features for the hat, such as a smartphone case, a built-in display, and solar power capabilities.
Image Credit: Google
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Wearable Keyboard
- The Gboard Cap is a hat that functions as a wearable keyboard using an inertial sensor and Bluetooth connection.
- Open-source DIY Projects
- The Gboard Caps project provides blueprints and instructions for users to create their own key-cap hats, encouraging open-source DIY projects.
- Innovative Hat Designs
- Google Japan imagines different designs and features for the Gboard Cap, such as a smartphone case, built-in display, and solar power capabilities.
Where This Applies
- Technology
- The wearable keyboard trend presents opportunities for technology companies to develop innovative products in the field of wearable technology.
- Open-source Community
- The open-source DIY trend creates opportunities for companies to engage with the growing open-source community and collaborate on unique projects.
- Fashion and Accessories
- The innovative hat designs offer opportunities for fashion and accessory industries to create new products that blend technology and fashion.
