Finch Technologies unveils ‘FinchRing’ for Mixed Reality gesture control and announces partnership with Nreal

In Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality News

February 21, 2021 – Today at MWC Shanghai 2021, Finch Technologies, a developer of 3D tracking technology, devices and software solutions that enable natural user experiences for XR, has unveiled its new ‘FinchRing’ product, along with a technology partnership with Nreal.

FinchRing is a first-of-its-kind wearable that brings intuitive gesture control to augmented and mixed reality (AR/MR) headsets and other platforms including laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Through the partnership, Finch Technologies states that the FinchRing will bring “game-changing functionality” to the Nreal Light mixed reality glasses, which offer users an affordable mixed reality solution.

According to Finch Technologies, unlike most other big-name AR and MR devices that only track gestures and hand movements through a limited front-facing field of vision, the FinchRing provides limitless, fluid 360-degree tracking and 3D movement with patented IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) technology, whether the user is reaching behind them while throwing a virtual baseball or moving virtual objects outside their field of view.

Additionally, the FinchRing works inside, outside and in any lighting or weather conditions. It also does all this in combination with traditional touchpad, force sensor and haptic feedback – without the bulk and restrictions of larger, more traditional XR handheld controllers.

Key features of the FinchRing include:

  • Dimensions: One-size-fits-all, 3-5mm thick, 13mm wide, weighing 18 grams;
  • Spatial tracking: 360-degree, no field-of-view limitations, 3DoF and 6DoF tracking modes, optical enhancement;
  • IMU type: 6 axis sensor;
  • Touchpad: Force sensor;
  • Haptics: Customizable vibration patterns;
  • Battery: Up to 4 hours active use and recharges to 80% in 20 minutes, according to the company;
  • HID protocol supported
  • FinchTracker (required for 6DoF tracking) and charging case included.

“Natural 360-degree movement in mixed reality has been one of the major challenges holding back the mainstream XR market and is something developers and consumers alike have been waiting for,” said Gary Yamamoto, CEO of Finch Technologies. “At Finch, we combine the best proprietary 3D tracking technology, devices and software solutions to create natural user interactions for mixed reality, with no break in action or motion, so the promise of mixed reality for both consumers and enterprise can be fully realized. We can’t wait to see what developers create with our hands free FinchRing controller.”

Finch Technologies is offering hands-on demos at the Mobile World Congress (MCW) summit in Shanghai this week, and from February 23-25, FinchRing is available to try by appointment only in the Nreal booth #N2 – B01. For more information on Finch Technologies, please visit the company’s website.

Image credit: Finch Technologies

About the author

Sam Sprigg

Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.