Myo(TM) Gesture Control Armband Optimizes Input for Smartglasses

WATERLOO, ON--(Marketwired - Aug 19, 2014) - Thalmic Labs, a pioneer in human-computer interaction, today announces the integration of its flagship product, the Myo armband, with smartglasses including Google Glass, Recon Jet and Epson Moverio.

The Myo armband enables workers in industries such as construction, field service and healthcare to interact with smartglasses using subtle hand and finger gestures while on the go. Using the Myo armband, users can eliminate remote controls, touch pads, buttons and voice control that slow down access to information and multi-step processes to enter or retrieve data. Staying hands-free is necessary in many work environments where interacting with technology remains a priority, such as those that are noisy or require sterility.

"Smartglasses remove barriers to accessing the information and communications needed to effectively and efficiently perform the job at hand. Now, the Myo armband frees up your hands to unlock the full value of smartglasses," said Stephen Lake, CEO and co-founder of Thalmic Labs. "The Myo armband uses subtle hand gestures to instantly interact with applications on smartglasses, without needing to remove gloves or pull out a secondary controller."

Thalmic Labs has partnered with thought leaders in several industries that are working on innovative smartglass enterprise solutions:

• Augmedix - Augmedix uses Google Glass to free physicians from documentation so they can focus on patients. Integration with the Myo armband means physicians can find and move through patient information with the simple swipe of a hand. The gesture control extends beyond voice and touch commands to provide physicians with seamless access to data input and retrieval.
• APX Labs - APX Labs builds software for smartglasses, like Epson Moverio and Google Glass, which improve field work, such as at wind mills, oil refineries or hydro plants. Field service workers can access data, troubleshoot issues, and receive detailed feedback right in front of their eyes to quickly move through the data using the Myo armband.
• Bridgit - Closeout by Bridgit is a deficiency management software suite aiming to respond to issues of miscommunications on construction sites. Closeout enables construction deficiencies to be tracked and communicated in real-time. Using Google Glass and the Myo armband, project managers on construction sites will be able to instantly record deficiencies and assign them to the relevant sub-contractor during walk-through inspections.
• Recon Instruments - Recon, a leader in smartglass technology for sports and high intensity environments integrates a Heads-up Display (HUD) with a state-of-the-art micro-computer and sensor suite to provide performance information, navigation, and more, direct-to-eye. Recon's HUDs run an operating system with an open web API and HUD SDK, enabling developers to create apps for a broad range of use cases. Integrating Jet with the Myo armband, the interaction experience is advanced, enhancing the user's level of focus on activity and optimizing seamless user interaction with the HUD.

"Enterprise applications for smartglasses can help increase asset efficiency, reduce the number of service calls, and improve decision-making through real-time data," said Andrew Vaz, national managing director of innovation and a principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP. "With the intuitive hand and finger motions that a gestural input device enables, smartglasses now have applications in markets where desk-less workers need to work hands-free in noisy environments that make it difficult to use voice communication." 

Thalmic Labs has a robust network of developers creating applications for use with heads-up displays and within the enterprise at large. Myo Developer Kits began shipping in July and the Myo armband is shipping this fall. It is currently available for pre-order for $149 USD. For more information and to learn about smartglasses solutions for your business, visit www.thalmic.com/smartglasses/.