Technology is intended to make life easier, but our most popular devices are based on the assumption that users have full control of their hands. For those with disabilities who are unable to use a mouse or a touchscreen, mass-produced devices can become more of a hindrance than a help. This is why a Turkish designer says he came up with GlassOuse, which puts the capabilities of a mouse on a pair of glasses.
GlassOuse looks like a somewhat chunky lensless glasses frame in that it's worn over the nose and ears. A flexible cord connected to the frame leads to a "click button" that is inserted into the mouth. The whole thing connects to a computer or mobile device via Bluetooth to act as point device.
It's reminiscent of London researchers' and later Samsung's efforts to create an eye-tracking mouse system. Sensors in the GlassOuse frame track head movements, which are used to control the movement of a cursor on a screen, and the user can bite on the button to click or tap on a target.
Designer Mehmet Nemo Turker says the button has been tested 50,000 times under 3 tons of pressure and is antibacterial. GlassOuse has a rechargeable battery that's designed to provide 15 hours of use per charge.
Turker says he was inspired to create GlassOuse after a friend became disabled following a diving accident. He's created an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to bring the device into production.
Pledges start at US$149. According to Turker's production schedule, there is a prototype that's passed tests and a pilot sample has been manufactured, but production isn't due to start until June, if all goes to plan.
The video below introduces GlassOuse.