Well, we have one LipSync out the door. After helping us with another round of testing, Don Danbrook took a LipSync home, and became the very first recipient of a LipSync device.

Don helping us test the device. He was impressed with the higher cursor speed for the USB mode, while the speed in Bluetooth was still too slow.

Testing with Don this time around, we did find a few problems that need solutions. First of all, Don does not have an Android device, he uses an Apple tablet. While the LipSync works on an Android, Apple operating systems do not have external mouse support, and as such, it doesn’t recognize the LipSync. Considering that a high amount of our audience will have an Apple product, this is a problem we need to fix.

We do have a few ideas on how we can make the LipSync work for Apple devices. While there is no external mouse support on Apple devices, there is external keyboard support, and perhaps this is a feature we could build into the LipSync, allowing it to function as a keyboard on Apple devices.

We could also create an app that allows the user to control their device through sipping and puffing (new window) Morse code (new window), much like the original Jouse. While the learning curve is steeper, it could be the simpler option once learned. Don noted that he could type 33 words per minute on his Jouse. For Android users, it could be an option alongside using the cursor.

It’s something we’re still figuring out.

But for now, Don is taking it home, and will use the LipSync for his laptop. This will give him an opportunity to compare the LipSync device — which will likely cost less than $300 to assemble a device — versus a Jouse device, which could set you back $3000. This will give us a good idea of how our maker-based, cheaper version measures up against the industrial standard.

One of the mounting options we tested out.

Before we move on to the next phase of the project, we need to create 150 LipSyncs and send them home to users (one down, 149 more to go). If you are in the Greater Vancouver area and are interested in being part of the pilot phase, send an email to Chad Leaman.