Google Japan makes Bluetooth keyboard cap CAPS

Google’s Japanese branch has shown off CAPS, a cap with an integrated gyroscope and button that lets users type with their heads. Google will not put the cap into production itself, but has placed the hardware design and necessary software on GitHub.

While most keyboards have dozens of keys, Google’s CAPS only has a test. Users can choose different letters or characters by turning their head, after which the built-in gyroscope registers the rotational movement. By pressing the cap down, the letter corresponding to that rotation is selected.

Google says CAPS is the product of a brainstorming session about how keyboards could become “more portable and fashionable.” The cap would also be useful for people with full hands who also want to carry a keyboard and people who are worried about a bad hair day at work.

CAPS can be expanded with a mesh window to ‘anti-distortion’ and a headband to enable typing even in strong winds. Google is also considering making other versions, such as a cooking hat, with a built-in screen or with solar panels. Even though Google doesn’t plan to release the product itself, people can make CAPS themselves with the GitHub documentation. CAPS is the brainchild of the Japanese Gboard team, which is working on the Android– and iOS versions from the keyboard app.