We sampled the amazing CaptoGlove just days after its public unveiling at the Game Developer’s Conference (www.gdconf.com) in San Francisco. The incredibly innovative glove is a wireless and wearable controller that transforms specific movements of the user’s hand and fingers to standard inputs of device controls. The CaptoGlove allows a new level of realism by allowing the user to use their hand in-game just as they would in real-life.

The CaptoGlove works out of the box with all computers and smartphones without additional set up required. Connecting to devices wirelessly via Low Energy Bluetooth, the glove is completely self-contained, requiring no additional equipment to track motion or position. The low power consumption means that the CaptoGlove’s battery can last up to 10 hours and will only take around 90 minutes to fully recharge.

CaptoGlove is compatible with any device that allows Bluetooth connectivity (including Windows PCs, iOS and Android smartphones/tablets and Apple TV). For gaming, the CaptoGlove works with any Windows PC game (past, present or future) and any mobile game that allows a controller or gamepad. Immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences give the CaptoGloves a perfect platform thanks to the ability to use real world skills; for example, a steady hand will shoot more accurately, better steering wheel skills result in better driving, et cetera. The gloves work with all current head-mounted virtual reality displays, including Oculus, HTC Vive and Gear VR.

The accuracy of the sensors within the CaptoGlove allow for more than interactive control; one potential use might be physical therapy assessment to gauge range of motion.

The breathable material of the CaptoGlove is manufactured by Reusch, a worldwide leader in gloves for professional goalkeepers and skiers; allowing for hours of play without discomfort or sweaty hands. CaptoGlove is fully washable after removing the hardware inside the glove. In addition, the glove’s index and the thumbs fingertip are both capacitive, which allows for smartphone interaction without the need to remove the glove.

CaptoGlove is in production now and is expected to be available for retail purchase later this year for $250. There will be a special early-adopter campaign on Kickstarter that will give access to the earliest units from the manufacturing line for only $160! The crowdfunding campaign is scheduled to begin next week.

Unlike most crowdfunding campaigns, there will be no wait for fulfillment of rewards, as early adopter units are already in production and are expected to be delivered by the end of summer.

Future updates to the CaptoGlove may include haptic feedback, a kit is currently under development and may be ready later this year. More details can be found at the CaptoGlove website (www.captoglove.com).