Google is set to release its Daydream View VR headset, but that’s just the beginning of the company’s virtual reality ambitions.
The Mountain View-based tech giant has just acquired an intriguing augmented reality startup called Eyefluence, which specialises in eye tracking technology.
Instead of using a controller to interact with an HMD, Eyefluence’s tech lets your retinas take control of the headset, so your eye movements and actions such as blinking are all it takes to instigate an action, like making a purchase or accessing additional information on a map.
Announcing the news on its blog, Eyefluence writes:
“With our forces combined, we will continue to advance eye-interaction technology to expand human potential and empathy on an even larger scale.”
At the first glance, the acquisition doesn’t seem to offer too much potential in the entertainment space. You can flick your eyes to open a film on Netflix, sure, but we can’t see full VR gaming without some kind of control pad.
Instead, what we’re potentially looking at is the integration of Eyefluence tech into a future Google Glass-like AR product aimed at integrating naturally into your day-to-day life.
Here’s to hoping whatever’s in the pipeline looks a little bit slicker than Google Glass…
Related: Google Daydream View review
Watch: What is VR?
How do you think Google plans to use Eyefluence’s eye tracking technology? Let us know in the comments below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
