[Maybe a long, long time ago his people had had that sort of connection, but he hadn't seen it even with his access to the memory shard. It probably predated that sort of technology, before they moved to consuming what they needed as an evolutionary prerogative.]

We evolved as hunters and predators, and cultivated our ability to sense even the smallest details in the environment through touch. [The four eyes, six nostrils and assorted sensory pits were certainly part of that. Thankfully, he had an impressive poker face, so Tauriel wouldn't have to worry about him suddenly licking an eyeball.] Eventually we utilized technology to enhance our talents, and found our place among the stars.