A new eye biometrics solution is seeking to shape the way users will interact with head mounted display (HMD) devices. Developed by Eyefluence, the iUi system tracks users’ eye movements to enable user interaction.
The company has been testing the system with a small group of users, and is reporting very positive feedback, asserting in a press release that “users comment that the system feels like it’s reading their minds.” Eyefluence says its iUi system can be used perform a range of functions, from texting to browsing photos to playing games.
The company’s tests were conducted using both an Oculus DK2 headset and ODG R6 Smartglasses, both of which were custom-equipped with iUi technology; and the use of these brand name headsets suggests the technology is apt for mass market applications. Moroever, Eyefluence says that it’s “currently partnering with product development teams within leading consumer electronics companies and HMD manufacturers to provide an entire eye-interaction solution for next-generation VR, AR and MR devices,” and that Motorola Solutions is leading its Series B round of funding.
It’s a bold new product, but it isn’t quite the only game in town. SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI), for example, has also been working on a similar eye-tracking system with an eye to VR and AR (augmented reality) applications. But these companies are well ahead of the curve in a niche market, one that could grow lucrative as major companies like Samsung begin to invest heavily in VR technologies.
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February 11, 2016 – by Alex Perala
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