Bragi Unveils 'MyTap' Update to Control Headphones Through Gestures on the Cheek

Wireless headphone company Bragi today announced an incoming update to its flagship Bluetooth device, The Dash, which will bring with it an all-new way for users to interact with Bragi's "Kinetic User Interface." Coming November 21, Bragi OS 2.2 will introduce users to a beta of "MyTap," which lets them control the headphones through tap-based gestures placed directly on their cheek and not on The Dash itself.

KUI will also bring about gestures like nodding to accept a phone call from a smartphone connected to The Dash, activating Siri with the tap of a cheek, and even various music playback controls. When it begins rolling out on November 21, KUI will only encompass voice assistant controls (for Siri and Google Now), and the other gestures will arrive in future firmware updates.

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“The Dash was envisioned as a platform offering a lot of hardware capabilities, but not all of this hardware was used from the beginning. Over time, we can let the software grow and enable more features.” – David Dohmen, Sensorics & Data Science at Bragi

“You are way more accurate tapping your own cheek than an external device. That makes it easier to hit it during activities like cycling or running.” - David Dohmen, Sensorics & Data Science at Bragi

Other parts of the update include "Windshield," which Bragi says will improve listening quality and audio transparency in gusty conditions, improved voice quality during phone calls and heart rate measurements, and upgraded Bluetooth capabilities. Previously, OS 2.1 introduced new languages support, "Touch Lock," and integration with Apple HealthKit.

The Dash and The Headphone (Bragi's entry-level Bluetooth headset) have been compared to Apple's upcoming AirPods frequently, enough for Bragi to create a comparison chart between the three devices following Apple's announcement of the AirPods in September. The Dash's premium $299 price tag and high-end activity tracking features are more difficult to compare with the AirPods, which fall in line slightly more with The Headphone. However, only The Dash can receive Bragi's OS updates.

Previous Coverage - Bragi Dash Impressions: Wireless Earphones Offer Enough Quality Features to Counter Small Battery

Tags: Bragi Dash, Bragi

Top Rated Comments

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Tycho24

34 months ago

Soooooooooo........ speaking of gimmicks.
[doublepost=1478100518][/doublepost]

Amazing! Next level sh*t! Enticed to buy one of these now instead of the fugly AirPods.

Not sure if serious.

Rating: 5 Votes

bitslap47

34 months ago

Anyone feel like the goal here is to sit on a corporate yacht giggling at everyone wearing straws in their ears, tapping themselves on the cheek, looking like they have nervous ticks, and talking to themselves while walking around?

Rating: 4 Votes

pdaholic

34 months ago

"I'm NOT having a seizure! I'm just changing songs on my playlist..."

Rating: 3 Votes

TJC PE

34 months ago

I have a pair of Bragi Dash I've had them since first availability. I have been really pleased with the build quality and the functionality keeps getting better with each software update - and there have been several - not just minor tweaks or bug fixes, but added and improved features. I swim with them every day and listen to stored playlists without trouble.
I thought Apple would buy the company, or then I thought Apple would look at the Bragi and deliver an even better product.

Not only has Apple not delivered anything, the design and feature specs of the AirPods are sorely lacking.
Yes the Bragi Dash are $300. almost twice the price of the AirPods - but they are available and they work great.

Swimming is a great feature that Apple is not addressing in their first iteration.
I also feel much more comfortable walking around, working at a desk, or running with the Bragi than I would with the two AirPod straws hanging down from my ears. Just compare pictures side by side - which would you rather?

Rating: 1 Votes

thisisnotmyname

34 months ago

*IF* this ends up being accurate and reliable I like this idea. I'm skeptical this will be workable in practice though.

Rating: 1 Votes

jwsmiths

34 months ago

Amazing! Next level sh*t! Enticed to buy one of these now instead of the fugly AirPods.

As someone who has some I can say I'll probably change over to AirPods. They are somewhat uncomfortable on long runs because of the HR sensor nubs and the charging pins poking out. They also won't pair with the Apple Watch (yet).

Rating: 1 Votes

Relentless Power

34 months ago

After the rumour about the january launch, AppleInsider said they got some inside info saying there's no way they're going to ship that late. I guess it does make sense too - AirPods could be huge for holiday shopping / gifting.

I don't see Apple releasing them in January either. I mean, we're talking three full months out until they release, if the rumor was true. That would only indicate some fault was found during production or some other major issue to be delayed that long. Apple
Is fully aware these were a sequence to launch with the iPhone, especially when deleting the 3.5 Jack.

And missing the holiday mark on these would not be a good thing. Even if it was a January launch, they would still sell strong. But consumers are ready to spend money from now until Christmas.

Rating: 1 Votes

SMIDG3T

34 months ago

Seriously why not just use the earbud to control? I bet they spent a lot of money on this. Yes it's pretty clever but I don't see the point.

Rating: 1 Votes

RowellE

34 months ago

Amazing! Next level sh*t! Enticed to buy one of these now instead of the fugly AirPods.

Rating: 1 Votes

PastFuture

34 months ago

If this works reliably, they might be on to something. I can see, how tapping your cheekbone would actually be much easier than aiming for a tiny thing in your ear.

Rating: 1 Votes

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