Microsoft plans to add native eye tracking support into Windows 10

eye tracking feature

Microsoft announced that it is planning to bring an eye tracking feature to Windows 10. The company has rolled out the beta version of the software for anyone to try.

The all new feature allows users to navigate computer desktop, open applications, and enjoy the full Windows 10 experience using the movement of the eyes. Unfortunately, the number of Windows users equipped to use the feature is ridiculously slim.

windows 10

The new feature still in beta phase and not meant for wide distribution just yet, is part of the latest Windows Insider preview build. Build number 16257 includes the eye-tracking software which user will need to get Eye Control up and running on Windows 10 device. Becoming a Windows Insider is as simple as registering for the Insider program with Microsoft account.

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In order to use Eye Control, the user will need an eye tracking camera. Which doesn’t sound like a huge deal until user realize that the software works with exactly one device. That gadget, the Tobii Eye Tracker 4C. Microsoft has worked closely with Tobii to enable this support, and existing devices like Tobii Dynavox PCEye Mini, PCEye Plus, EyeMobile Plus and I-series will all be supported soon.

Microsoft’s collaboration triggered by the first Microsoft employee hackathon known as One Week back in 2014. Former professional football player Steve Gleason, pushed Microsoft to form a new research team to investigate eye tracking. Microsoft’s Windows team built prototypes of eye tracking, and CEO Satya Nadella has supported its integration directly into Windows 10.

Microsoft hasn’t confirmed exactly when this eye tracking support available broadly. But, the company recently started working on its March Windows 10 update, expect to see eye tracking feature appear next year.

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